Nemateleotris magnifica

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Fire goby

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Ptereleotridae
Genus: Nemateleotris
Species: N. magnifica
Binomial name
Nemateleotris magnifica
Fowler, 1938

The Fire Goby, Fire Fish, Fire Dartfish, or Red Fire Goby is a marine dartfish.

This fish is most commonly found near the substrate of the upper reef in tropical marine waters. These waters include the Indo-Pacific, Central Pacific, east African waters, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, New Caledonia, and Pitcairn Islands.[1] They swim as deep below the surface as 70 meters, and usually hover directly above the ocean floor, facing the current to catch their prey.[1] They eat mostly copepods, zooplankton, and crustacean larvae.

They usually have a bright yellow head, merging into a white body, gradually shading into a red-orange tail. Their dorsal fins are very long, and the fish flicks it back and forth.[1] This is used as a signal to conspecifics.[2][3] As a full grown adult, it reaches a maximum length of 9 centimeters (3 in).[1] Adults occupy sandy burrows alone or in pairs, while the juveniles live in small groups. These fish are monogamous.[1] They will retreat to burrows if threatened.[2]

These fish are often kept in the aquarium. This fish is easily frightened, so ample hiding places, a lack of other boisterous species, and a well-fitting hood to prevent this fish's escape are recommended.[2][3] The fish should be kept alone or in pairs to reduce fighting.[2] This fish may need live food when first introduced, but can be adapted to frozen foods.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Nemateleotris magnifica". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. Apr 2007 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2007.
  2. ^ a b c d e Sanford, Gina (1999). Aquarium Owner's Guide. New York: DK Publishing, 141. ISBN 0-7894-4614-6. 
  3. ^ a b Dakin, Nick (1992). The Macmillan book of the Marine Aquarium. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company. 
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