Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Peaceful

It is a highly timid and easily frightened species that relies entirely on flight to avoid danger. Once established in a peaceful community, it becomes a confident and visible mid-water swimmer. It displays zero aggression towards other tank inhabitants.

Diet

Carnivore

It is a dedicated planktivore, requiring tiny, meat-based foods suspended in the water column. Frozen cyclops, Calanus, and finely crushed dry foods are readily accepted. Live foods such as baby brine shrimp are highly recommended to trigger its natural feeding response.

Sex ratio

Group

They are best maintained in small groups or pairs to encourage natural behavior and reduce stress. A solitary fish will often spend its entire life hiding and may refuse to eat. When kept in groups, they form a loose, peaceful shoal in the open water.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Because it constantly expends energy hovering in the water, it needs frequent feedings. Providing small amounts of food two to three times a day is ideal. Without frequent feedings, it can quickly become emaciated and succumb to disease.

Bioload

The Philippine Dartfish has a negligible bioload, making it perfect for small or heavily stocked tanks. Its small body mass translates to very low waste production. It is easily supported by the biological filtration of a mature reef system.

Flow

Strong

It prefers a moderate water flow that gently suspends its food without overpowering its swimming abilities. It is often found hovering in areas of laminar flow just above the reef structure. Access to calmer areas near its chosen hiding spot is also important.

Jump risk

Yes

This species is an extreme jump risk, especially during its initial introduction or if startled by tank mates. A tightly sealed lid or fine mesh cover is an absolute requirement for its safety. It will exploit even the smallest gaps to escape the aquarium.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Captive spawning is exceptionally rare and successful rearing of fry has not been widely documented. Like related species, they likely lay demersal eggs that hatch into microscopic pelagic larvae. Rearing these larvae requires a sophisticated setup with access to specific zooplankton cultures.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

It is an exceptionally peaceful community fish that is completely reef safe. It must be kept with other small, non-aggressive species to prevent it from being outcompeted or eaten. It will happily coexist with all manner of peaceful invertebrates and corals.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

It predominantly occupies the mid-water regions of the aquarium, hovering in place. It quickly retreats to a specific hole or crevice in the live rock when it feels threatened. It rarely rests directly on the sandy substrate.