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About Red Firefish

The Red Firefish (Nemateleotris magnifica) is a spectacular marine fish known for its vibrant red, orange, yellow and white colouration and dramatically elongated dorsal fin. Its bold colours and elegant appearance make it a popular choice for reef and marine aquariums.

Despite its striking appearance, the Red Firefish is generally peaceful and relatively shy. It spends much of its time hovering above the substrate near a preferred hiding place, quickly retreating into a rock crevice when startled.

A secure aquarium is essential, as Firefish are excellent jumpers. A tightly fitted lid or mesh cover is strongly recommended.

Provide plenty of live rock, caves and crevices where the fish can establish a safe retreat. Once settled, it will often spend considerable time in the open water around its chosen territory.

Red Firefish are best kept with other peaceful community fish. They can be territorial toward other Firefish and similar dartfish, particularly in smaller aquariums.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Nemateleotris magnifica
• Common Name: Red Firefish, Firefish Goby, Magnificent Firefish
• Family: Microdesmidae
• Type: Marine Fish
• Adult Size: Approximately 8–9 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate
• Minimum Aquarium: 75 L+
• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 8.0–8.4
• Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
• Diet: Carnivore / Planktivore
• Tank Level: Bottom to Midwater
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Recommended Setup: Live rock, caves and secure cover

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Red Firefish reef safe?

Yes. Red Firefish are considered reef safe and generally leave corals and ornamental invertebrates alone.

Do Red Firefish jump?

Yes. They are notorious jumpers, particularly when newly introduced or startled. A secure lid or mesh cover is highly recommended.

Can I keep multiple Red Firefish together?

They are best kept singly unless a confirmed compatible pair is established. Multiple individuals can become territorial.

What do Red Firefish eat?

They readily accept a range of marine foods including mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood and quality marine pellets.

Are Red Firefish aggressive?

No. They are generally peaceful, although they may defend their preferred hiding place against similar dartfish.

Do they need hiding places?

Absolutely. Caves, holes and rock crevices provide security and help the fish settle into the aquarium.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ Keeping the aquarium uncovered
• ❌ Housing multiple Firefish without adequate space
• ❌ Keeping them with aggressive or highly territorial tankmates
• ❌ Providing too few caves or hiding places
• ❌ Adding them to a tank with insufficient mature biological filtration
• ❌ Allowing newly introduced fish to go without regular feeding