| Fire goby | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Microdesmidae |
| 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 extremely 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]