Blackfin Dartfish, scientifically known as Ptereleotris evides, is found in the Indian and Western Pacific Oceans.
This fish lives in reefs and is found at depths of 6.6 to 49.2 feet (2 to 15 meters). It’s also popular in aquariums.
Blackfin Dartfish are commonly found on outer reef slopes, as well as lagoons and bays. As adults, they usually live in pairs, while young ones tend to group together.
Their diet consists of zooplankton which they eat while hovering 1 to 2 meters above the ocean floor.
Instead of hiding in their burrows when faced with danger, Blackfin Dartfish prefer to swim away quickly.
These fish are also safe for coral reefs due to their non-destructive nature.
Blackfin Dartfish Interesting Facts
- Blackfin Dartfish, or Ptereleotris evides, lives in the Indian and western Pacific Oceans near reefs and grows up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) long.
- These fish are monogamous, forming lifelong mating partnerships.
- Their diet consists of zooplankton, which they eat while hovering above the ocean floor.
- Blackfin Dartfish are safe for coral reefs due to their non-destructive nature.
Blackfin Dartfish Habitat
Blackfin Dartfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to islands like Line, Society, Ryukyu, Ogasawara, New South Wales, Lord Howe Island, and Rapa.
It lives in marine environments near reefs at depths of 2 to 15 meters (about 6 to 50 feet).
This tropical fish prefers water temperatures between 70°F to 81°F (21°C to 27°C) and is found between latitudes 30°N to 30°S and longitudes 32°E to 150°W.
| Water Temperature: | 70°F to 81°F (21°C to 27°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Blackfin Dartfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters)
Blackfin Dartfish grows up to 5.5 inches (14.0 centimeters) long. It has 7 dorsal spines, 23 to 26 soft rays on its dorsal and anal fins, and 26 vertebrae.
Its body color is light blue-gray, turning darker toward the back. The snout is blackish, while the gill cover has shiny blue patterns.
Blackfin Dartfish has a small fleshy bump on its chin that turns into a thin fold toward the back. Its tail fin has dark lobes with a white or yellow center area.
The first dorsal fin is orange, while the second one and anal fin are mostly black. There’s an orange or red stripe near the base of its pectoral fins.
Young Blackfin Dartfish have a large black spot at the lower part of their tail fin base.
Blackfin Dartfish Reproduction
Blackfin Dartfish has a unique mating behavior. It forms lifelong partnerships, known as monogamous mating.
This behavior is both required (obligate) and social.
Blackfin Dartfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Gobiiformes |
| Family: | Gobiidae |
| Genus: | Ptereleotris |
| Scientific Name: | Ptereleotris evides |
| Also Known As: | Blackfin Dartfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |