Zebra Barred Dartfish

Overview

The Dart Goby, or Zebra Dartfish, is a slender, pale blue-grey fish with fine vertical banding, closely related to the Fire Goby but generally a stronger, more confident open-water swimmer. It hovers in loose groups above rockwork in the wild, picking plankton from the water column.

It shares the peaceful, reef-safe nature common to dartfish, but tends to be a little bolder and less prone to constant hiding than some of its shyer relatives, making it a good option for keepers wanting active mid-water movement in the display.

Like other dartfish it's an excellent jumper, so tank security is an important consideration alongside its otherwise easygoing care requirements.

Compatibility

Dart Gobies are peaceful and reef safe, ignoring corals and invertebrates entirely. They do well in small groups if introduced together, showing natural loose shoaling behaviour, though unrelated individuals added separately can sometimes show aggression toward each other.

They mix well with other peaceful community fish and are rarely bullied given their alert, quick-swimming nature.

Health & quarantine

This species is generally hardy but, like other dartfish, is a capable jumper, especially when startled, so a secure, gap-free lid is essential. A minimum two-to-four-week quarantine is recommended, and this species usually acclimates and feeds well with minimal issues.