Zebra Dartfish

The Zebra Dartfish, Ptereleotris zebra, has a slender body crossed by fine vertical bars. It often hovers above the substrate before darting into a nearby refuge, making its behaviour an important part of aquarium design.

Provide open water near rock crevices and choose peaceful companions. Boisterous fish can intimidate dartfish into hiding for so long that they miss meals. A tightly fitted cover is essential, including small openings around equipment, because a startled fish may jump.

Feed small plankton-sized marine foods regularly, such as mysis, finely sized frozen foods and appropriate pellets or flakes. Observe the fish emerging to eat rather than judging feeding by what the rest of the aquarium consumes. Good water movement and accessible shelter encourage its natural hovering behaviour without exposing it to constant confrontation.