The Eye-Catching Firefish Goby
- Mike Wilder
- Mar 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Adding the Firefish Goby to Your Aquarium
The ocean is home to countless mesmerizing creatures, but few are as striking as the Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica). This small, yet dazzling fish is one of my favorite nano reef fish and is popular among aquarists. With its brilliant coloration, unique behavior, and peaceful temperament, the Firefish stands out as a true gem of the reef.
Understanding
Firefish are native to the Indo-Pacific
region, where they inhabit coral reefs at depths ranging from 20 to 230 feet (6 to 70 meters). They are commonly found hovering in schools above sandy bottoms next to the reef, where they dart in and out of bolt-holes to avoid predators. While hovering they catch plankton as it floats by in the current. These fish thrive in warm tropical waters with stable temperatures between 72–80°F (22–27°C). Their natural environment consists of moderate water flow and plenty of hiding spots among the coral.
The Firefish is instantly recognizable by its elongated body, vibrant coloration, and sword-like dorsal fin. It features a gradient of colors that transitions from a creamy white or pale yellow head to a fiery orange-red tail, giving it a distinct and eye-catching appearance. The elongated dorsal fin, which extends like a sword, is used for communication and intimidation against potential threats. Growing to a maximum size of around 3 inches (7.5 cm), this fish is well-suited for nano aquariums, but also thrives in large aquariums, making it a popular choice for home reef tanks.
Compatibility and Behavior
One of the most fascinating aspects of Firefish behavior is their cautious yet curious nature. I enjoy how they hover in the water column, facing the current, displaying and twitching their doral fin while keeping a watchful eye for both food and potential threats. If startled, they will quickly retreat into hiding spots, and will quickly re-emerge when they feel safe.
Firefish are generally peaceful and reef safe and can coexist with a variety of other non-aggressive reef fish. However, they can become territorial with their own kind when establishing a breeding site. Since Firefish will pair up and become territortial I recommend keeping either 2, 5 or more. Due to their timid nature, it is recommended they should not be housed with aggressive or overly active tank mates that may outcompete them for food. I have 12 Firefish in my 360 gallon community tank along fast swimming Blue Green Chromis and Orange Anthias, and an assortment of slower moving fish. Since the Firefish like to hover and not dart around (although they are part of the dartfish family) I do make sure food is reaching the Firefish via the current.
I have had success housing them with clams, hard and soft corals, shrimp, urchins, angels, gobies, clownfish, tangs, wrasses, anthias, jawfish, damselfish, blennies, & filefish.
Reef Compatibility
Completely reef friendly.
Mine are kept in a reef tank with clams, zoa and other polyp corals, and hard corals, like chalice and sticks. They don't touch any of the coral
Feeding Your Firefish
Diet: Omnivore They should be fed small amounts several times a day, which I make happen via automated feeders by Neptune Systems.
While they primarily eat meaty foods, I have been amazed that they eat the small veggie bits that come off the the seaweed I have attached to a magnetic clip. I sometimes spin the clip around so that bits come off and float in the current to them. I do feed mine a varied diet to stay healthy:
About 70% is high-quality marine pellets, brand TDO, size extra small.
About 25 - 28% percent frozen Mini Marine Mysis Shrimp, bulk 1LB size, of the brand V20 Aquarium Foods from Bulk Reef Supply.
3 - 5% live brine shrimp, which I hatch from eggs that we buy from Brine Shrimp Direct, and I enrich with spirualina.
They do eat tiny bits of Purple & Green Seaweed that come off the seaweed sheets, the brand is "Two Little Fishes" that I buy in bulk from Bulk Reef Supply.
Setting Up the Ideal Tank Environment
To mimic their natural habitat, you need to create a suitable tank environment:
Care Level: Easy
Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons with a lid is recommended for a small group of Firefish. Firefish are jumpers, if you don't have a cover they will jump out over time.
Water Quality: The key is to maintain stable water parameters. The less variation you have over a short-time period (24 hours), the better your fish and corals will do.
Temperature of 72-78°F. Mine 78.1 to 78.6
Salinity of 1.021-1.025. Mine 1.022 -1.026
pH of 8.1-8.4. Mine 8.09 to 8.31
Alkalinity of 8-12. Mine 8.5 to 9.6
Water Movement: Provide medium to high waterflow throughout the daytime. This replicates their natural environment of feeding in the water column next to coral reefs.
Aquascaping: Provide plenty of rock hiding spots. They appreciate crevices, and caves where they can retreat and sleep during the night.
Lighting: Moderate to high lighting will encourage algae growth, which these fish naturally eat as it occasionally floats by them.
Tips for a Happy and Healthy Fish
Quarantine New Fish: Always quarantine new additions to prevent introducing diseases to your main tank.
Monitor for Health Issues: Look for signs of stress or illness, such as loss of appetite, faded coloration, or erratic swimming.
Regular Maintenance: Keep the tank clean with regular water changes and test water parameters weekly. We test our water continuously using Neptune Apex to monitor salinity, temp, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and magnesium levels.
Observe Behavior: Ensure your Firefish is active, eating well, and not out competed for food.
Wrap-up
The Firefish is a stunning and fascinating addition to any reef aquarium. Its striking colors, intriguing behavior, and relatively easy care make it a favorite among marine hobbyists. By providing a proper environment and suitable tank mates, aquarists can enjoy the beauty of this remarkable fish while ensuring its well-being.
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