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Zebra Dartfish

Ptereleotris zebra

Family: Ptereleotridae · Dartfish & Firefish

Also known as: Zebra Goby, Chinese Zebra Goby, Barred Dartfish

Max Size

4.5"

Min Tank

30 gal

Lifespan

4-6 years

Origin

Indo-Pacific, Indonesia

Diet

Planktivore

Swims

Middle

About

The Zebra Dartfish is a distinctive and attractive member of the Ptereleotris genus, named for the numerous thin vertical bars that adorn its elongated body. The base coloration ranges from soft pink to pale green, with dozens of fine reddish to orange bars running vertically down the flanks, creating a subtle zebra-like pattern that is unique among commonly kept dartfish. At approximately 4.5 inches in length, it is a medium-sized dartfish that makes a striking visual addition to reef aquariums.

In the wild, Ptereleotris zebra inhabits sandy slopes, rubble areas, and seagrass beds throughout the Indo-Pacific. It is one of the more social dartfish species, frequently found in groups of five to twenty or more individuals hovering above the substrate in a loose aggregation. These groups maintain communal burrows in the sand, with multiple individuals sharing the same retreat. This social nature translates well to the aquarium, where groups of Zebra Dartfish display far more natural and engaging behavior than solitary specimens.

The Zebra Dartfish is an excellent community reef fish that combines peaceful temperament, interesting social behavior, and attractive coloration. For the best display, keep a group of three to five individuals in a tank of 30 gallons or more, with a sand bed deep enough for burrowing. Like all dartfish, a tight-fitting lid with no gaps is essential to prevent jumping losses. The species is completely reef-safe and ignores all corals and invertebrates. Its peaceful nature makes it compatible with virtually any non-aggressive marine community.

Feeding & Diet

Planktivore

Zebra Dartfish are planktivores that feed on zooplankton drifting above the reef substrate in the wild. In captivity, they accept frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and other small meaty foods. They can also be trained to eat marine pellets and flakes. Groups require generous feeding, and multiple small meals throughout the day are recommended to keep all individuals well-nourished.

Compatibility

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The Zebra Dartfish is extremely peaceful and makes an excellent community fish. It coexists beautifully with clownfish, chromis, gobies, blennies, wrasses, and other dartfish. Groups of Zebra Dartfish can be kept together without significant conspecific aggression, unlike many Nemateleotris species. Avoid housing with aggressive, territorial, or predatory fish that may stress the group into hiding. Completely reef-safe with all corals and invertebrates.

Check Compatibility

Breeding

Difficult

Zebra Dartfish are substrate spawners that deposit eggs inside shared burrows. In their social groups, dominant pairs form and spawn within the communal shelter. The male guards the eggs until hatching. Larvae are pelagic and tiny, requiring rotifers and other microscopic foods. While spawning may occur in captivity, successful larval rearing is extremely challenging and rarely documented in home aquaria.