Helfrich's Firefish (Nemateleotris helfrichi)
Fish in the family Microdesmidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe.
Quick facts
Appearance
A slender, elongated goby with striking red coloration on the head and upper body that fades to white or pale yellow posteriorly. The dorsal fin is tall and sail-like, and the pectoral fins are large and fan-shaped, used for hovering and substrate movement.
Diet and feeding
Feeds on small crustaceans, copepods, and other zooplankton in the wild. In captivity, requires frequent feedings of live or frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, copepods, and small amphipods; dried foods are often rejected.
Difficulty and care for the Helfrich's Firefish
Beginner
Common health issues
Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorder, Hole-in-the-head disease, Columnaris disease
Origin and habitat
Indo-Pacific, from the Philippines and Indonesia to Micronesia and Palau, typically found at depths of 40–200 meters.
Log Helfrich's Firefish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Helfrich's Firefish alongside everything else in your reef.
