Firefish
Nemateleotris magnifica
Conspicuous tall first dorsal fin and red-orange rear body. A shy reef fish that hovers near a retreat. A tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent jumping.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Nemateleotris magnifica
- Dutch name
- Vuurpijlvis
- Water temperature
- 24–26 °C
- pH
- 8.1–8.3
- Adult length, up to approximately
- 9 cm
- Experience
- Some experience
- Carbonate hardness (KH)
- 8–12 °dKH
- Specific gravity (SG)
- 1.024–1.025
- Starting volume
- 100 L
- Swimming or living zone
- Midwater
- Flow
- Moderate, with sheltered areas
- With corals
- Usually possible; check companions
This is a documented adult size, not a measured average. SL means body length excluding the tail fin. Sex, origin and cultivated form can affect size.
Care guidance; origin and captive breeding can change requirements. Some ranges are deliberately narrower than natural extremes in the source. Adjust water gradually and keep ammonia and nitrite at zero.
General marine targets also use group-level care guidance. Check the needs of your corals too. SG is not salinity in ppt; follow your instrument’s temperature calibration.
Tank sizes are editorial starting points for adults, not guarantees for a complete stocking plan. Group size, tank height, swimming length and territories may require a larger aquarium.
Origin
Indo-Pacific region
Habitat & setup
Tropical reef with rocks, crevices and open water.
Diet
Small portions of mysis, Artemia and other suitable marine animal foods; ensure every animal gets food.
Behaviour & grouping
Prefer one specimen per territory; pairs only when demonstrably compatible.
Living with other animals
Calm reef fish, for example suitable small gobies or cardinalfish. Avoid aggressive damsels and boisterous food competitors.
Possible combinations to investigate further
- Banggai cardinalfish
24–25.5 °C · pH 8.1–8.3
Reproduction
Breeding requires species-specific expertise; do not expect successful reproduction in a community aquarium.
A suitable cover helps prevent escape and jumping. Protect intakes for small animals. Do not use copper-based fish medication with invertebrates.
Sources & image credits
Data compiled on: 2026-09-27. Species sources support identity and care; group sources give general starting points. Practical recommendations are an editorial synthesis.
Photo: Fire_dartfish_(Nemateleotris_magnifica)_(43372442502).jpg — Rickard Zerpe. CC BY 2.0.