Description

The Red Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) is a peaceful, colorful, and hardy reef fish that’s ideal for nano and community marine aquariums. Its bold red-orange tail, elongated dorsal fin, and hovering behavior make it a favorite among aquarists.

🐠 Red Firefish Goby Description:

• Scientific Name: Nemateleotris magnifica

• Common Names: Firefish, Fire Goby, Red Firefish Goby, Magnificent Dartfish

• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Maldives, Indonesia, East Africa to Hawaii)

• Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)

• Coloration: White to yellow body fading into bright orange-red toward the tail; long, sail-like dorsal fin; iridescent face and large eyes

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Lifespan: 3–5 years with proper care

🧪 Tank Requirements:

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons (larger if keeping a pair or multiple dartfish)

• Water Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH Level: 8.1–8.4

• Specific Gravity: 1.020–1.025

• Water Hardness: 8–12 dKH

• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock with caves and overhangs for hiding

🍤 Diet:

• Carnivorous: Eats small, meaty foods:

  • Mysis shrimp

  • Brine shrimp (enriched)

  • Finely chopped seafood

  • Marine pellets and flakes (if small enough)

Feed 1–2 times daily.

🤝 Compatibility:

• Reef Safe: Yes – won’t harm corals or inverts

• Tankmates:

  • Peaceful community fish only

  • May fight with other firefish unless a bonded pair

  • Keep only one per tank unless the pair is already formed or tank is large

• Can be startled easily – avoid aggressive or fast-swimming tankmates

💡 Care Tips:

• Known jumper – must have a secure, tight-fitting lid

• Shy at first but becomes bolder over time

• Needs plenty of hiding spots to feel secure

• Will hover in the water column when comfortable

• Hardy and disease-resistant when kept in stable conditions

📝 Summary: