Also Known As: Blue Gudgeon Dartfish, Blue Gudgeon Goby
Compatibility and Behavior
The Blue Gudgeon (Ptereleotris heteroptera) is a study in soft, understated elegance. A long, streamlined body in pale bluish-turquoise tones is finished off with a distinct black spot on the tail, and under reef lighting that brilliant sheen makes it a delicate and sleek counterpoint to the heavier, bolder fish in a community. Multiples can be kept together and with at least 5 specimens, they. may even school (no guarantees, but it's known to happen in the right conditions). It lives out in the mid-water column, drifting and darting as it picks plankton from the current, a classic hovering dartfish that adds constant gentle motion without ever dominating the scene. Temperament is about as peaceful as it gets, which suits it to a calm reef of small, non-aggressive tankmates like clownfish, other gobies and dartfish, Anthias, and fairy or flasher wrasses. It's fully reef safe, leaving corals and inverts alone in favor of planktonic foods. Its main quirk is shyness, so give it plenty of visual cover and keep it away from large or boisterous fish that would leave it hiding in the rocks.
Aquarium Requirements
As with any dartfish, a tight-fitting lid comes first, since these are excellent jumpers that launch when startled and an open tank is a genuine risk. Beyond that the care is straightforward: an established reef with open swimming lanes, gentle to moderate mid-water flow, and rockwork offering secure caves and overhangs to retreat into. For specimens in the 2 to 3.5 inch range, a tank around 50 gallons or more with a long footprint is a solid start, with extra room welcome if you plan to keep more than one dartfish-type species. Keep water quality stable and offer regular feedings of small meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine, copepods, and finely chopped seafood, along with quality micro pellets, to hold it in good condition.
Specifications
Approximate Size: 2–3.5"
Diet: Carnivore; small meaty foods such as mysis, enriched brine, copepods, and finely chopped seafood, plus quality micro pellets
Origin: Indo-Pacific
Care Level: Easy to moderate
Reef Safe: Yes
Temperament: Peaceful
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons for a single specimen, with more space needed for additional dartfish or larger tankmates
Special Considerations: An excellent jumper that needs a tight-fitting lid; shy, so best with gentle tankmates and plenty of hiding spots