Coral Reef
Goby
More details
Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Pro
Pro
Description
With its vivid orange-red tail, elongated body, and elegant dorsal fin, the Firefish Goby is a staple in reef aquariums. This peaceful, hardy fish adds constant motion and dramatic color to nano and community marine tanks.
Difficulty Level
Beginner Friendly
Region
Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep, but requires a secure lid (prone to jumping) and stable water parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely available as captive-bred, supporting sustainable stocking.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. Commonly found in reef slopes and sandy patches at moderate depths.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The Firefish Goby boasts a pearly white body with a vivid red-orange tail, and a long, filamentous dorsal fin. Its hovering, darting movement and striking coloration make it a visual centerpiece.
Purpose
Functions as an active midwater swimmer and peaceful display fish. Enhances open aquascape layouts and brings life to the upper layers of the aquarium.
Importance
A great beginner’s marine fish due to its hardiness and peaceful nature. Encourages naturalistic behavior in mixed-reef communities.
Included Resources
Needs stable, reef-quality water, moderate flow, and plenty of open swimming space. Prefers caves, rockwork, or PVC for shelter.
Best Use Cases
Nano reefs, mixed community tanks, and SPS/LPS coral aquariums. Fits well in tanks 10 gallons and up.
Conservation Context
Readily available as captive-bred, which protects wild populations and encourages ethical marine stocking.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Gobies and blennies
• Cleaner shrimp
• Dartfish
• Soft and stony corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – Indo-Pacific reef region)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: -157.8583° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep, but requires a secure lid (prone to jumping) and stable water parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely available as captive-bred, supporting sustainable stocking.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. Commonly found in reef slopes and sandy patches at moderate depths.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The Firefish Goby boasts a pearly white body with a vivid red-orange tail, and a long, filamentous dorsal fin. Its hovering, darting movement and striking coloration make it a visual centerpiece.
Purpose
Functions as an active midwater swimmer and peaceful display fish. Enhances open aquascape layouts and brings life to the upper layers of the aquarium.
Importance
A great beginner’s marine fish due to its hardiness and peaceful nature. Encourages naturalistic behavior in mixed-reef communities.
Included Resources
Needs stable, reef-quality water, moderate flow, and plenty of open swimming space. Prefers caves, rockwork, or PVC for shelter.
Best Use Cases
Nano reefs, mixed community tanks, and SPS/LPS coral aquariums. Fits well in tanks 10 gallons and up.
Conservation Context
Readily available as captive-bred, which protects wild populations and encourages ethical marine stocking.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Gobies and blennies
• Cleaner shrimp
• Dartfish
• Soft and stony corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – Indo-Pacific reef region)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: -157.8583° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to keep, but requires a secure lid (prone to jumping) and stable water parameters.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Widely available as captive-bred, supporting sustainable stocking.
Origin
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from East Africa to the Hawaiian Islands. Commonly found in reef slopes and sandy patches at moderate depths.
Visual & Functional Appeal
The Firefish Goby boasts a pearly white body with a vivid red-orange tail, and a long, filamentous dorsal fin. Its hovering, darting movement and striking coloration make it a visual centerpiece.
Purpose
Functions as an active midwater swimmer and peaceful display fish. Enhances open aquascape layouts and brings life to the upper layers of the aquarium.
Importance
A great beginner’s marine fish due to its hardiness and peaceful nature. Encourages naturalistic behavior in mixed-reef communities.
Included Resources
Needs stable, reef-quality water, moderate flow, and plenty of open swimming space. Prefers caves, rockwork, or PVC for shelter.
Best Use Cases
Nano reefs, mixed community tanks, and SPS/LPS coral aquariums. Fits well in tanks 10 gallons and up.
Conservation Context
Readily available as captive-bred, which protects wild populations and encourages ethical marine stocking.
Ideal Aquatic Animals
• Clownfish
• Gobies and blennies
• Cleaner shrimp
• Dartfish
• Soft and stony corals
Region (A)
• Latitude: -17.7134° S
• Longitude: 178.0650° E
(Fiji – Indo-Pacific reef region)
Region (B)
• Latitude: 21.3069° N
• Longitude: -157.8583° W
(Hawaii – deeper reef slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
Region
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