Nemateleotris magnifica facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nemateleotris magnifica
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification

Nemateleotris magnifica, known by a variety of common names including fire goby, magnificent fire fish, fire dartfish, or red fire goby is a species of dartfish native to the Indian and Pacific oceans from the eastern coast of Africa to the Hawaiian Islands and from the Austral Islands north to the Ryukyu Islands. It is an inhabitant of coral reefs where it can be found at depths of from 6 to 70 metres (20 to 230 ft). It is usually found just above the bottom, facing into the current, where it awaits its prey of small invertebrates.

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. This is used as a signal to conspecifics. As a full grown adult, it reaches a maximum length of 9 centimetres (3.5 in). Adults occupy sandy burrows alone or in pairs, while the juveniles live in small groups. These fish are monogamous and They will retreat to burrows if threatened.

Care

Nemateleotris magnifica feeds on brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and sometimes zooplankton growing in aquaria. They should be fed two times per day. They are considered reef safe and they are peaceful and sociable. They can be found at many online and local fish or pet stores, they are for starter marine fishkeepers but can sometimes jump from the water. They will also make schools if many are put into a tank.

See also

In Spanish: Gobio dardo de fuego para niños