Nemateleotris helfrichi
| Nemateleotris helfrichi | |
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| Species: | N. helfrichi
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| Binomial name | |
| Nemateleotris helfrichi J. E. Randall & G. R. Allen, 1973
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Nemateleotris helfrichi, Helfrich's Dartfish, is a species of dartfish native to the Pacific Ocean.
Description
They are small fishes that grow to a maximum length of 6 centimetres (2.4 in).[1] They have bright yellow head with purple forehead with purple and white shades on body.[2] They have 7 dorsal spines 28-31 dorsal soft rays and 1 anal spine 26-28 anal soft rays.[3]
Distribution and Habitat
They are present in the Pacific Ocean between latitudes 16°N and 28°S. Their range extends from Indonesia to Tuamotu Archipelago. They prefer deeper waters than other Nemateleotris. They are found swimming a few meters above the water bed. They are found at a depths between and are rarely found above 40 metres (130 ft).[3]
Diet
They are carnivorous. They mainly feed on zooplanktons, amphipods, copepods, small crustaceans and shrimp larvae.[4] They are said to lose their bright colour if their dietary requirements are not met.[5]
Behaviour
The species is monogamous and are usually found in pairs.[3][6] They are territorial and will fight with conspecifics unless they are a pair.[2][7][8] The species is shy and hides in small caves when threatened.[8]
In the aquarium
Due to their bright colour they are very popular as a marine aquarium fish. They are also more delicate and rare form than other more common firefish species (as evidenced by their price) and should be kept by marine-aquarists of intermediate expertise or higher.
References
- ^ Lieske, E. and R. Myers, 1994. Collins Pocket Guide. Coral reef fishes. Indo-Pacific & Caribbean including the Red Sea. Haper Collins Publishers, 400 p.
- ^ a b Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Firefish, Helfrichi
- ^ a b c Nemateleotris helfrichi, Helfrichs' dartfish : aquarium
- ^ Helfrichi Firefish, Species Profile, Hobbyist Guide, Care Instructions, Feeding and more.
- ^ Helfrich's Firefish, Helfrich's Dartfish - Nemateleotris helfrichi
- ^ Whiteman, E.A. and I.M. Côté, 2004. Monogamy in marine fishes. Biol. Rev. 79:351-375.
- ^ Tullock, John (2006). Saltwater Aquarium Models. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9780470119471.
- ^ a b FreshMarine.com - Helfrich's Firefish Goby - Nemateleotris helfrichi