Can I keep multiple Firefish together?

Generally, no. Unless you purchase a guaranteed, bonded male-female pair, keeping multiple Firefish in the same tank usually results in them fighting until only one remains.

Why is my Firefish hiding all the time?

Firefish are naturally timid. If newly introduced, it may take several days to settle in. If it hides persistently, it is likely being bullied by a tankmate, lacks a secure cave, or the water parameters are off.

Do I really need a lid for a Firefish?

Absolutely. Firefish are easily spooked by sudden movements, changes in lighting, or aggressive fish, and their primary defence mechanism is to dart upwards, making them prolific jumpers.

Will a Firefish eat my corals or shrimp?

No, they are completely reef-safe. Their mouths are very small and adapted strictly for picking zooplankton out of the water column, so corals and ornamental shrimp are perfectly safe.

Why is my Firefish flicking its top fin?

The flicking of the elongated dorsal fin (the pennant) is a normal behaviour. They use it to signal to other fish, display their mood, and maintain stability in the water current.

MarineMarineBeginner

Firefish

Nemateleotris magnifica

A strikingly beautiful and peaceful marine dartfish, perfect for nano reefs and beginner aquarists.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 23 – 27 °C
pH range: 8.1 – 8.4
Hardness: 8 – 12 dGH
Salinity: 1.02 – 1.026 SG
Adult size: 7 – 9 cm
75 Litres: 75 litres+
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: Moderate
Preferred setup: Ample live rock with distinct caves and crevices; a tightly fitting lid is absolutely essential.

About the Firefish

The Firefish is undeniably one of the most recognisable and popular fish in the marine aquarium hobby. Possessing a brilliant colour gradient that shifts from stark white at the head to a fiery reddish-orange at the tail, it immediately draws the eye. Its signature feature is an elongated first dorsal fin, or 'pennant', which it flicks back and forth to signal its mood and communicate with others. As a peaceful planktivore, it spends much of its time hovering in the water column facing the current, waiting for tiny food particles to drift past.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Firefish against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Firefish comes from

Native range

Indo-Pacific

Countries / regions

Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Fiji

Habitat

Outer reef slopes and sheltered lagoons, hovering above coral rubble and sandy patches.

Widespread across the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa and the Maldives to the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia.

Similar species

Purple Firefish
Nemateleotris decora
Helfrichi Firefish
Nemateleotris helfrichi
Zebra Dartfish
Ptereleotris zebra
Scissortail Dartfish
Ptereleotris evides

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Ocellaris Clownfish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Peaceful and occupies different swimming zones, allowing the Firefish to remain unbothered.
Great
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis
Completely reef-safe and peaceful; provides a helpful cleaning service without harassing the fish.
Great
Other Firefish
Nemateleotris spp.
Unless introduced as a confirmed, bonded pair, they are highly likely to fight to the death in confined aquarium spaces.
Compatible with caution
Six Line Wrasse
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia
Can become highly territorial and aggressive, which may force the timid Firefish into hiding or cause it to jump.
Compatible with caution
Lionfish
Pterois volitans
Will easily view the small, slender Firefish as prey and consume it.
Not recommended

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