Fire goby
A colorful dartfish that signals with its long dorsal fin.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The fire goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) is a species of dartfish native to coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans. It is known by a variety of common names including magnificent fire fish, fire dartfish, and red fire goby. This fish is notable for its bright coloration and long dorsal fin, which it uses to signal to others of its species.
Quick Facts
- Taxon
- Nemateleotris magnifica
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The fire goby typically has a bright yellow head, merging into a white body, gradually shading into a red-orange tail. Its dorsal fin is very long, and the fish flicks it back and forth as a signal to conspecifics. As a full-grown adult, it reaches a maximum length of 9 centimeters. Nemateleotris magnifica inhabits parts of the Indian and Pacific oceans, occurring as far west as the East African coast and as far east as the Hawaiian Islands. Within the Pacific, it ranges as far south as the Austral Islands in French Polynesia and as far north as the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. It is found on coral reefs at depths of 6 to 70 meters. This species is usually found just above the bottom, facing into the current, where it awaits its prey of small invertebrates. Adults occupy sandy burrows alone or in pairs, while juveniles live in small groups. These fish are monogamous and will retreat to burrows if threatened.
Reader's Guide
Nemateleotris magnifica is a dartfish that inhabits coral reefs of the Indian and Pacific oceans, typically found just above the bottom facing into the current. It feeds on small invertebrates, and in aquaria it consumes brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and sometimes zooplankton. It is suitable for novice marine fishkeepers, though an appropriate tank is required as they sometimes jump from the water. They will form schools if many are put into the same tank. Adults occupy sandy burrows alone or in pairs, while juveniles live in small groups. The fish are monogamous and retreat to burrows when threatened. Their long dorsal fin is flicked back and forth as a signal to others of the same species.
Did You Know?
- The fire goby uses its long dorsal fin to signal to conspecifics.
- This species is monogamous and retreats to burrows if threatened.
- It can be found at depths from 6 to 70 meters.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Fire goby?
The Fire goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) is a small, vividly colored dartfish that lives on coral reefs across the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Despite the name, it's technically a dartfish rather than a true goby, and you'll also see it listed as the magnificent fire fish or red fire goby.
How big does a Fire goby get in a reef tank?
Adults top out at roughly 9 cm (about 3.5 inches), which keeps them a manageable size for most mixed reef setups.
What does a Fire goby eat?
In the wild they cruise the water column picking up small invertebrates, zooplankton, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. In a home reef tank they'll readily accept frozen and live foods of similar size.
Where are Fire gobies found in the wild?
Their range spans from the East African coast to the Hawaiian Islands, with records from the Ryukyu Islands in the north down to the Austral Islands in the south. They occupy coral reef habitats at depths of roughly 6 to 70 meters.
Why does the Fire goby have such a long dorsal fin?
That elongated dorsal fin is a communication tool the fish uses to signal to other members of its species. By raising or lowering the fin, individuals convey messages that are a key part of their social interactions on the reef.
More in Gobies, Blennies & Basslets
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