So, I was at the lfs yesterday scoping out everything.
I ran across these magical, mystical looking unicornish creatures and I had to find out what they are...



They are SO adorable, and from everything I've read they're not that hard to keep, just a bit skiddish.

Anyone have these??

Firefish Nemateleotris magnifica I don't have one myself, but lots of people in the marine section keep them, I would love one, but they are prone to jumping and my marine tank is open topped.

Jon

Does this not belong in the marine section?

Hmm, possibly.
Sorry if I started it at the wrong place

It can be moved, if necessary.

Probably by tomorrow

We had two firefish...cute but they hide a lot in a reef setting. A LOT.

We also have an open top...well partially open top tank. They both jumped out.

If you have a closed tank and don't mind him hiding all the time then go for it. They're cute little boogers.

I actaully have five of the fire fish gobies in my tank. I have found that in a bigger group setting, such as 5 of them they swim around the tank more and there is less hidding. I have a partial open top tank and I have never had a problem with them jumping. I would suggest three or more together in a tank. However make sure you buy ones that have already been housed together.

At the lfs the other day they told me they do like to hide, although in the tank there were 3 of them staring out at me while bopping their little unicorny fins up and down happily. They didn't seem to be scared of me in the least. Maybe they could just sense that I'm a fish person.

Anyway - they did mention to me when I asked about them to make sure to keep the tank covered because they sporadically jump.

Do they need a monstrous sized tank?
I do need to do lots more research on them before I decide to bring some home.

This post has been edited by BettaMomma: Feb 22 2005, 01:51 AM

Fire Fish Goby

Check this out for some info on the fire fish goby

They dont require lots of space as they are not active swimmers, mainly just sit a few inches above the sand in thew water colum facing the flow to catch food.
They do jump however so make sure the tank is covered.

I wouldnt suggest keeping these in anythign less than a 30 if this is yur firsst marine tank because under 30 the levels start to fluctuate way too much.

Great information.
Thanks

This was my Red Firefish.
Sadly it did as most firefish do... It jumped




This was my Purple Firefish. A gorgeous little fish that died recently during a whitespot outbreak




There is a 3rd species of firefish.Helrichi Firefish. Much rarer and very expensive. IMO though its not as colourful as the others.

The firefish is a pretty fish one of my favorites I have him in my tank like him I havn't seem my try to jump but i have seen others jump out of tanks.

OoOoohh - I don't know what it is about those magical little creatures but I WANT SOME! I have been furiously reading everything I can in an effort to get more info on a tank that will house some of these cute little guys.

I'm very nervous about starting up a saltwater tank cuz I've not done it before.

Oh, they're so adorable.
The other little goby is adorable too.

I just love the firefish's little unicorn horn fin.

The purple firefish has a unicorn too but its not a sharp or long.

As for starting a marine tank to house them, they need covers as they will jump but apart from that they are peacefuland need plenty of hiding spaces. If you introduce them all at once then it will stop quarrels. but once established they will swim togetherwith their heads into the flow of water ready to catch any food that passes their way.

Ooh i'm so excited to learn more bout them - I just think they are the most magical little creatures I've ever seen.

Usually fish are so intriguing to be because they're so disgusting looking. I kinda get creeped out at fish stores when I'm walking between two rows of tanks because I start to feel like I'm in the water with them. (I'm a severe paranoid wacko ) Lionfish, for instance, creep me out to no end. They give me the willies.

Firefish was actually one of those adorable cute faces with a magical aura around it (that sounds retarded, doesn't it?)

Anyway, I do love firefishes.

I know exactly what you mean Bettamomma

Once you see them in your own tank and can view their entire behaviou then you soon get to see just how lovable and peaceful they are. .. They actually remind me of a family of meer cats! so i guess they are the meer cats of the marine world

mine had a runin with a grouper... not a pretty outcome... 11 dollar herbivore vs. 20 dollar white spotted grouper... thing couldn't find a place to hide fast enough

YIKES - so I went to PetWorld to oogle at my little magical beauties, and one of the guys working there told me I could keep one of them in a 5 gallon tank. I looked at him like this , then I said "Good god I hope you don't ever tell anyone else that again" and I walked out of the store.

I was dumbfounded.