Common name: Dussumier's Dartfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumEchinodermsEchinodermata
- ClassSea UrchinsEchinoidea
- OrderReef UrchinsCamarodonta
- FamilyCollector UrchinsTemnopleuridae
- GenusSalmaciellaSalmaciella
- SpeciesDussumier's DartfishSalmaciella dussumieri (L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846)
- SynonymsSalmacis desmoulinsii Dujardin & Hupé, 1862Salmacis dussumieri L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846Salmacis lactea Döderlein, 1885Toreumatica 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.