Zebra Bar Goby

Zebra Bar Goby: The Striped Dartfish

The Zebra Bar Goby (Ptereleotris zebra), also frequently known as the Zebra Dartfish or Barred Dartfish, is a captivating and highly sought-after fish valued for its serene nature and brilliant striped pattern. This small, torpedo-shaped fish is a great candidate for nearly any peaceful reef or community marine aquarium.

Native to the Indo-Pacific, the Zebra Bar Goby has a sleek, elongated body that is typically a metallic light green or silvery color, accented by numerous vertical, evenly spaced, thin orange or black bars (hence the name). Unlike many bottom-dwelling gobies, this species is a planktivore that spends most of its time actively hovering or swimming gracefully in the water column, often near its preferred shelter.

Reaching a maximum adult size of about 4 inches (10 cm), the Zebra Bar Goby is an excellent community fish. It is generally more secure and active when kept in small groups or pairs, and it requires a tank with a tight-fitting lid, as these fish are known to jump when startled.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a Carnivore/Planktivore and feeds primarily on zooplankton suspended in the water column. In the aquarium, it requires multiple small feedings throughout the day. Its diet should consist mainly of high-quality, fine-sized meaty foods like enriched mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and commercial pellets or flakes formulated for small marine carnivores. They should be observed carefully to ensure they get food, especially in tanks with aggressive eaters.
• Housing Requirements: The aquarium must include a deep, fine sand substrate (at least 2 inches) and live rock to create a secure bolt hole. While they are active swimmers, they need a safe crevice or cave to quickly dart into when frightened or to sleep at night. PVC pipe sections placed under the rockwork can create ideal, safe dens.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Completely Reef Safe. The Zebra Bar Goby will not bother corals, clams, or ornamental invertebrates (shrimp, snails, crabs) and is a perfect fit for a peaceful reef environment.
• Temperament: It is Peaceful and Shy. They are ideal tankmates for other non-aggressive fish like Firefish, Clownfish, small Wrasses, and peaceful Angelfish. Avoid large, aggressive, or fast-swimming tankmates that may outcompete them for food or intimidate them, causing them to hide constantly.
• Group Behavior: While they can be kept singly, keeping them in a school of 3 or more encourages them to be bolder and more active swimmers in the open water. All individuals should be introduced simultaneously to prevent aggression.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Ptereleotris zebra
• Primary Common Name: Zebra Bar Goby
• Other Common Names: Zebra Dartfish, Barred Dartfish, Chinese Zebra Goby
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread, including Fiji and Red Sea)
• Max Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Community (Active Swimmer)
• Diet: Carnivore/Planktivore (Requires fine, meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 Gallons (Larger for groups)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Completely Safe)