Common name: Dussumier's Dartfish

Scientific name: Salmaciella dussumieri (L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846)

General information

Dussumier's Dartfish, scientifically known as Salmaciella dussumieri, is a small and colorful marine fish that is a member of the family Microdesmidae. This species is appreciated by aquarists for its peaceful demeanor and striking appearance, characterized by a slender body with vibrant blue and yellow coloration.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
Temperature
24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
15 cm (6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet; accepts flakes and frozen
Social
Solo Territorial; best kept alone
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at small fish
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Echinoderms
    Echinodermata
  3. Class
    Sea Urchins
    Echinoidea
  4. Order
    Reef Urchins
    Camarodonta
  5. Family
    Collector Urchins
    Temnopleuridae
  6. Genus
    Salmaciella
    Salmaciella
  7. Species
    Dussumier's Dartfish
    Salmaciella dussumieri (L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846)
  8. Synonyms
    Salmacis desmoulinsii Dujardin & Hupé, 1862
    Salmacis dussumieri L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846
    Salmacis lactea Döderlein, 1885
    Toreumatica concava Gray, 1855

Care

Dussumier's Dartfish are suitable for well-established aquariums with plenty of hiding places and a sandy substrate where they can retreat if threatened. They are known for their jumping abilities, so a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent escape. These fish thrive in groups and should be kept in small schools if the aquarium size permits. They are not aggressive and can be housed with other peaceful tank mates.

Reproduction

In the home aquarium, breeding Dussumier's Dartfish can be challenging. They are known to spawn in captivity, but raising the larvae requires specific conditions and food sources like copepods and rotifers. The eggs are demersal, adhering to the substrate until hatching.

Habitat

Dussumier's Dartfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and lagoons, often seen hovering above the substrate or nestled within crevices. They typically reside at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters.