Common name: Inshore cardinalfish

General information

The Twotone Dartfish, Fibramia lateralis, is a small, peaceful fish known for its distinctive coloration and behavior. It has a striking appearance with a yellow anterior and a purple to black posterior, separated by a clear demarcation. This species is a member of the family Microdesmidae, which includes dartfishes and wormfishes.

In the wild, these fish are often found hovering above the substrate in pairs or small groups, darting into burrows when frightened. They are a popular choice for reef aquariums due to their peaceful nature and compatibility with other reef inhabitants.

Care

Twotone Dartfish require an aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat. They are jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent escape. These fish are not aggressive and can be kept with a variety of tank mates. They do best in stable water conditions and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods and high-quality marine flake or pellet food.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Fibramia lateralis has been known to spawn, with the pair forming a burrow where they lay their eggs. The male typically guards the nest. However, raising the fry can be challenging due to their small size and specific feeding requirements.

Habitat

Twotone Dartfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Maldives to the Philippines, and north to southern Japan. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, usually at depths of 1 to 30 meters, where they live in burrows in sandy areas close to reefs or rubble.