Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Helfrichi Firefish Goby is one of the ‘holy grail’ fish in the saltwater hobby. Endemic to the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, the Helfrichi firefish stands out in coloration compared to the other firefish. Its body has variations of white, purple and lavender, with a yellow face and purple forehead. Firefish are rarely aggressive towards tank-mates, making them a great candidate for nano aquariums and community reef tanks. They will however quarrel with their own kind unless they’re a bonded pair and sexing Helfrichi firefish is difficult. This could be overcome if many individuals of Helfrichi firefish were kept in an exceptionally large aquarium to provide adequate space. A Helfrichi firefish can reach a size of approximately 2.5″.
Diet Requirements: In the wild firefish are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small organisms suspended in the water column. A diet largely consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding will also create more of a natural environment for the firefish as it would feed in the wild. Firefish may accept high quality flake and micro-pellet foods.
Care Requirements: A minimum 15 to 20 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a single Helfrichi firefish goby. A tight fitting lid is recommended because firefish are known to be spooked easily until they settle in, and this prevents the firefish from jumping out of the aquarium by accident. Firefish enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge in order to feel secure. Do not house a Helfrichi firefish with overly aggressive and pugnacious tank-mates. Firefish make excellent additions to reef aquariums because they will not harm any invertebrate or coral. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Large: 2-1/4″ to 3″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
