CheckMyFishTank

Firefish Goby care

Nemateleotris magnifica · Saltwater · Intermediate level care

Firefish Goby, painted illustration

A graceful, peaceful fish that darts into holes when scared.

Smallest tank20 gallons
Adult size3.5 inches
Temperature75 to 80°F
pH8.1 to 8.4
GroupFine on its own
TemperamentPeaceful
SwimsMiddle of the tank
Lives3 to 5 years
Watch for: They jump when frightened, so use a tight lid and keep with calm tankmates.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, small marine pellets.

Jumps. Keep a tight lid on the tank.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Firefish Goby in a 40 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Banggai CardinalfishBicolor BlennyClark's ClownfishMidas BlennyNeon GobyOcellaris ClownfishPajama CardinalfishPercula ClownfishRoyal GrammaSkunk Clownfish

Do not mix with

  • Maroon Clownfish: Maroon Clownfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Firefish Goby.
  • Blue Devil Damselfish: Blue Devil Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Firefish Goby.
  • Domino Damselfish: Domino Damselfish is aggressive and will bully peaceful Firefish Goby.
  • Orchid Dottyback: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Firefish Goby.

Questions

What size tank does a Firefish Goby need?

At least 20 gallons. Adults grow to about 3.5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Firefish Goby like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Firefish Goby should I keep together?

One is fine. If you keep more, keep one male, since males fight each other.

What do Firefish Goby eat?

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, small marine pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.