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Firefish

Nemateleotris magnifica

Also called Fire goby, Firefish goby, Magnificent firefish, Fire dartfish, Red fire goby

SpeciesShort profile

From Indo-Pacific: East Africa to Hawaii, the Marquesas and Pitcairn, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands12

At a glance the quick version

Length7.6 to 9 cm123
Sizesmall
Bright sunset colours
Gentle, peaceful nature
Flicks its tall dorsal fin like a flag
23

Looks how to spot one

Slender dartfish with a tall first dorsal fin

A slim little fish with a yellow head that fades into a white body and then a red-orange rear and tail. Its first dorsal fin is very tall and thin, and the fins have black edging.23

Coloursyellowwhitered-orangeblack fin edges23

Personality what they are like

Calm and peaceful with a sweet personality. It hovers near its chosen hole and darts inside when startled.321

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Hovers just above the bottom facing the current, picking off drifting food.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Give plenty of rocky hiding holes and a tight-fitting lid, as it can leap from an open tank. Moderate light and water flow suit it.32

Home where they are happiest

Minimum about 20 US gallons (76 L), reef safe. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. In the wild it lives on upper outer reef slopes, usually 6 to 28 m deep.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivore that eats zooplankton in the wild. Offer brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and small prepared marine foods, ideally twice a day.123

Company who they like around

Lives singly or in mated pairs; young fish may share a hole in small groups. Pairs form for life.12

The story where it all began

Henry Weed Fowler described the species in 1938. It belongs to the dartfish genus Nemateleotris and has become a well-known reef aquarium fish.24

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It waves its long first dorsal fin back and forth, which works as a signal to other firefish.2

  2. 2

    Firefish pair up for life.1

  3. 3

    Several fish, especially juveniles, may share the same hiding hole.1

  4. 4

    It has been found from right at the surface down to about 70 m.1

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern (assessed 2023)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Firefish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Firefish?

Feed your Firefish small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding once or twice daily, offering only what it can eat in a couple of minutes.321 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Firefish eat, and what should it never eat?

Your Firefish is a carnivore that enjoys brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and small prepared marine foods. Avoid feeding it any large or non-marine foods, and always check with a vet or good breeder for specific dietary concerns.321

How much space does a Firefish need?

A Firefish needs a minimum tank size of about 20 US gallons (76 liters). It is reef safe and appreciates plenty of rocky hiding holes.31

What temperature, light or water does a Firefish need?

Keep the water temperature between 22 and 26°C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Moderate light and water flow suit it well.31

How often should I clean a Firefish's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan recommends a weekly water test and glass cleaning, with a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Firefish live with others?

Yes, Firefish can live singly or in mated pairs, and young fish may share a hole in small groups. They form lifelong pairs and are generally peaceful with other tank mates.21

How long does a Firefish live?

The lifespan of a Firefish varies depending on care and environment. For specific longevity information, consult a vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Firefish?

It's best not to handle your Firefish, as it is a delicate fish that can be stressed by handling. It may also leap from an open tank, so always use a tight-fitting lid.32

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. FishBase: Nemateleotris magnifica fishbase.seused for distribution, size, depth, diet, behaviour, IUCN
  2. Wikipedia: Nemateleotris magnifica en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, behaviour, aquarium notes, history
  3. LiveAquaria: Firefish Goby liveaquaria.comused for care, tank size, water parameters, diet
  4. Wikipedia: Nemateleotris en.wikipedia.orgused for describer and year

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.