Helfrich's Firefish Goby (South Pacific)
The Helfrich's Firefish is an absolute gem from deep Hawaiian waters. It is rarely collected and is highly sought after. Its body is awash in delicate shades of lilac, highly pigmented on its shoulder and becoming more dusty at the base of its tail. Its face is bright lemony yellow, and its rear fins look like a dry paint brush has swept them with the same hue. Its first dorsal fin is a spike shape colored blue and black. This fin is nearly always held erect, and sometimes is flicked up and down in an attractive manner. As long as tank mates are similarly peaceful it will swim in the open water where it can be enjoyed. They are quite tolerant of their own kind compared to most firefish, but if a pair is desired they should still be given plenty of space and added at the same time. Males and females are visually identical. It grows up to 2.5 inches; we recommend an aquarium 10 gallons or larger for a single fish and 30 gallons or larger for a pair.
Dart gobies are extremely peaceful and do best with other mild-mannered fish. When threatened many dart gobies, with the exception of firefish, may quickly dive under the sand for cover. The firefish prefers to hide within the rockwork. A fine sand bed of at least two inches, but preferably deeper, will offer a safe refuge. Flat rocks placed on the sand will further help in creating a natural environment. We recommend the tank be securely covered as gobies may be prone to jumping from open top aquaria. It is normal for them to be quite shy when initially introduced, however once settled in they prefer to spend time in the open.
Gobies are primarily carnivores and their diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items, marine algae, Spirulina, and frozen Mysis shrimp. It is preferable to feed at least twice a day and to let some food land on the bottom of the aquarium if the dart goby has not yet earned to eat from the water column. Frozen food is best, however in time they may learn to eat dry foods.
As one of the largest families of fish there are near countless varieties of gobies which inhabit every different niche on the reef. They are coral safe and typically quite active and friendly with other fish. They have the ability to change sex to form pairs, although they don't always do so. Most gobies are imported from the Philippines.
Gobies are diminutive fish typically with elongated bodies, and as such we do not recommend any aggressive or large-mouthed fish to be kept with them; this includes all groupers, snappers, sweetlips, soapfish, lionfish, eels, goatfish, anglers/frogfish, leaf fish, etc.
