Common name: Chinese zebra goby

General information

The Zebra Dartfish, Ptereleotris zebra, is a small, peaceful fish known for its striking zebra-like pattern of vertical bars. It is a member of the Microdesmidae family, which includes dartfishes and wormfishes. This species is appreciated for its graceful swimming behavior and is a beautiful addition to any peaceful reef or fish-only aquarium setup.

Care

Zebra Dartfish are relatively easy to care for but do require a tank with a tightly fitting lid as they are known jumpers, especially when startled. They thrive in aquariums with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate that allows them to dive into when they feel threatened. A peaceful community tank is ideal, as they can be stressed by aggressive tank mates. They accept a variety of foods including small meaty foods and high-quality flake and frozen preparations.

Reproduction

In the wild, Zebra Dartfish are known to form monogamous pairs and spawn within burrows. In the aquarium, breeding is rare, but with a well-established pair in a stable environment, spawning is possible. The eggs are adhesive and will be attached to the substrate or tank decorations.

Habitat

Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Zebra Dartfish are found in coral reef environments, often hovering above the substrate or within reef crevices. They are typically found at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters, where they feed on zooplankton in the water column.