Firefish Helfrichi

Also known as the Helfrichi Firefish or Helfrich’s Dartfish. 

The Firefish Helfrichi is one of the most stunning and sought-after nano reef fish, featuring a brilliant mix of violet, yellow, and magenta hues. Its graceful swimming style, peaceful nature, and striking colors make it a centerpiece fish for small to medium reef tanks. Though slightly more delicate than other firefish species, it thrives in stable, mature aquariums with plenty of hiding spaces.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Nemateleotris helfrichi
• Common Names: Firefish Helfrichi, Helfrich’s Firefish, Helfrichi Dartfish
• Adult Size: 2.5–3 inches
• Lifespan: Several years in stable reef systems
• Temperament: Peaceful, shy, hover-swimming
•  Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
•  Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
•  Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat: Firefish Helfrichi are native to deeper Indo-Pacific and Tahitian reef slopes, often found hovering above burrows at depths where light is softer. They prefer calm, stable environments with clear retreat pathways.

Tank Environment:

•  Provide rockwork with caves or burrows for security
• Mixed sand and rock substrate mimics their natural retreat zones
• Moderate water flow with calm pockets for hovering

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate preferred

Diet & Feeding

Firefish Helfrichi are carnivores that feed on zooplankton in the wild. In aquariums they readily eat a variety of small meaty foods.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and zooplankton
• Finely chopped marine meats
• High-quality micro-pellets for carnivores

Feeding Schedule: Feed 1–2 times daily in small amounts. Ensure food drifts in the mid-water column where they naturally feed.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament: Peaceful, timid, and quick to dart into hiding when startled. They hover near a chosen cave or burrow and prefer calm tankmates.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful community fish such as clownfish, small gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, anthias, and small wrasses
• Avoid aggressive, fast-chasing, or boisterous species
• Completely safe with corals and invertebrates

Breeding Potential

Firefish Helfrichi may form bonded pairs and deposit eggs in secure caves or burrows, where the male typically guards them. However, captive breeding is rarely accomplished because the larvae require specialized care and planktonic foods.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Firefish Helfrichi undergoes a thorough multi-week quarantine process. They are carefully observed, treated for parasites when needed, and conditioned to accept a wide range of foods. This ensures your Helfrichi arrives healthy, stable, and fully adapted to aquarium life, giving you the best success in your home reef system.