How difficult is it to keep Helfrich's Firefish?

Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.

What is the ideal temperature for Helfrich's Firefish?

The ideal temperature for Helfrich's Firefish is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Helfrich's Firefish get?

Helfrich's Firefish typically reaches Up to about 6cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Helfrich's Firefish?

The price of Helfrich's Firefish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

AI-generated image

Helfrich's Firefish

Q: What should I feed Helfrich's Firefish?

Helfrich's Firefish feeds on: Zooplankton feeder; frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, chopped crustacean meat. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Beginner

Nemateleotris helfrichi

A small dartfish with a yellow head, purple forehead and a body grading from pale violet to white; it lives in deep water and is rarely available. Shy and prone to jumping, so keep it under a lid with peaceful tank mates.

Difficulty

Beginner

Temperature

22〜26℃

Size

Up to about 6cm

Diet

Zooplankton feeder; frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, chopped crustacean meat

About

Helfrich's dartfish (Nemateleotris helfrichi) is a small member of the dartfish genus Nemateleotris (family Ptereleotridae). According to FishBase it is distributed in the southeastern Pacific, centred on French Polynesia, where pairs occur over sand, rubble or hard bottoms on steep seaward reef slopes at 0-90 m, usually below 40 m. The head is yellow with a purple forehead and the body grades from pale violet to white; maximum total length is about 6 cm. It feeds on zooplankton, and in the aquarium takes frozen mysis, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp and chopped crustacean meat. Provide a tank of 76 L or more with coral-rubble hiding places; a lid is essential because it jumps when startled. It is peaceful toward other fish but fights with its own kind, so keep it singly unless as a bonded pair. In 2023 the populations from Yakushima through the Ryukyus, Micronesia and the Marshall Islands were described as a separate species, N. lavandula, and most western Pacific fish traded as Helfrich's firefish are likely to belong to that species.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)