Scissortail Dartfish

About this fish

Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides) is a small, peaceful goby well suited to many home saltwater reef tanks. In practical use, it can add constant activity—perching on rocks or corals, sifting the sand bed, and sometimes using burrows in cooperation with compatible tankmates such as pistol shrimp. A tight lid is important because gobies of this type are known to jump. For best results, introduce it with a slow acclimation routine and provide a quiet spot so it can settle in before you expect it to display natural foraging behavior.

Features:

• Often peaceful and generally compatible with many reef tank community setups
• May perch on rocks or corals and can be an active sand-bed forager
• Some individuals will share a burrow with a pistol shrimp
• Typically needs access to appropriate sand-bed conditions to support natural feeding behavior
• Accepts small frozen foods like mysis and copepods
• Benefits from slow acclimation and a calmer settling period after arrival
• Requires a tight-fitting lid to help prevent jumping

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Ptereleotris evides
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet (typical): Small frozen foods such as mysis and copepods
• Feeding frequency (general guidance): Once or twice daily
• Tank type: Home saltwater aquarium (reef compatible)
• Placement/behavior: Perches on rocks or corals and/or searches the sand bed
• Containment: Keep a tight lid; jumping is possible
• Temperature (general marine range): About 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity (general marine range): About 1.020–1.025 specific gravity
• pH (general marine range): About 8.1–8.4