Zebra Barred Dartfish

Also known as the Zebra Goby Dartfish or Zebra Firefish. 

The Zebra Barred Dartfish is a peaceful, slender reef fish featuring a white to pale body with bold vertical black bars. They are active swimmers, often hovering above sandy bottoms or rocky crevices, making them a striking addition to community reef tanks. Their calm nature, graceful movements, and beginner-friendly care make them a favorite among nano reef keepers and experienced aquarists alike.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Ptereleotris zebra
• Common Names: Zebra Barred Dartfish, Zebra Goby Dartfish, Zebra Firefish
• Adult Size: 3–4 inches (7–10 cm)
• Lifespan: Several years in stable aquarium conditions
• Temperament: Peaceful, mid-to-top dwelling, shy initially
• Reef Compatibility: Fully reef-safe
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Experience Level: Beginner-friendly

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Natural Habitat:
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Zebra Barred Dartfish inhabit sandy bottoms near coral reefs. They often hover above crevices, retreating quickly when startled. Providing hiding spots mimics their natural behavior and helps them feel secure.

Tank Environment:

• Include rockwork, caves, and crevices for hiding
• Use a sandy or fine substrate
• Maintain open swimming areas above the substrate
• Moderate water flow with stable water quality
• Use a tight lid, as dartfish can jump if startled
  

Recommended Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.020–1.025 sg
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Nitrate: Low to moderate levels preferred

Diet & Feeding

Zebra Barred Dartfish are carnivorous and feed on small plankton and crustaceans in the wild. In aquariums, they accept frozen or prepared meaty foods and small sinking pellets.

Recommended Foods:

• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• Copepods and small zooplankton
• Finely chopped seafood
• Small sinking pellets for carnivores

Feeding Schedule:
Feed 1–2 times per day in small portions, making sure food reaches their preferred mid-to-top swimming zone.

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:
The Zebra Barred Dartfish is peaceful, shy, and prefers to hover near open spaces or above sand beds while keeping watch for perceived threats. They rarely display aggression and integrate well in calm community tanks.

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with peaceful fish such as clownfish, blennies, gobies, firefish, and small wrasses
• Avoid large, aggressive, or predatory species
• Fully reef-safe and compatible with most invertebrates

Breeding Potential

These dartfish may form pairs in captivity and spawn, though successful breeding is rare and requires controlled tank conditions and careful larval care.

Why Choose Us

At Dr Reefs, every Zebra Barred Dartfish is carefully quarantined for several weeks. They are monitored for parasites, treated proactively when needed, and conditioned to accept a variety of foods. This ensures each dartfish arrives healthy, stable, and ready to thrive in your aquarium environment.