Zebra Dartfish (Ptereleotris zebra)

Ptereleotris zebra is a strikingly patterned schooling dartgoby with a white body crossed by numerous vertical red-orange bars that lend it its zebra common name. It hovers in loose, coordinated groups above the sand bed in nature, and reproduces this elegant group-hover display behaviour in large reef aquariums when kept in groups of five or more. Its gregarious nature, bold patterning, and active mid-water presence make it a standout display fish for open-plan reef systems.

Keep in groups of at least 5 in a 150 L or larger reef tank with a fine sand bed and open water above it. Feed frozen mysis, copepods, and small meaty pellets twice daily. Maintain temperature 24–28°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Reef safe with corals and most invertebrates. An absolutely critical requirement: a tight-fitting lid with no gaps — dartfish are among the most persistent and agile jumpers in the hobby and will escape through the smallest openings.