Spot Tail Dartfish
Ptereleotris heteroptera
Original price was: $58.99.$30.99Current price is: $30.99.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Out of Stock | 3.5 - 4.75" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $68.99.$36.99Current price is: $36.99. | Email me | |
| In Stock | 2.25 - 3.5" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $58.99.$30.99Current price is: $30.99. |
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| Out of Stock | 2.25" or smaller - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $49.99.$25.99Current price is: $25.99. | Email me |
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Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Planktivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Max Size | 6 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Spot Tail Dartfish (Ptereleotris heteroptera) is a slender, open-water dartfish often seen hovering above rockwork, with a pale blue-gray body and a distinct dark spot on the tail. It’s a calm reef fish that adds steady midwater movement and spends much of its day facing into the flow while watching for small foods.
What You’ll Observe:
- Hovering in place over sand and rock, then making quick dashes back to its “home” spot
- Feeding in the water column as fine foods drift by
- Using the same ledge, crevice, or rubble zone as a consistent base
- More natural, relaxed swimming patterns once it recognizes your feeding routine
Provide open swimming space with rock structure and a sandy or rubble area where it can choose a secure resting spot. Offer small, meaty foods (and appropriately sized pellets) in multiple small feedings to match its midwater feeding style. A tight-fitting lid or mesh top helps it stay settled and active long-term.
Do Spot Tail Dartfish need a lid even if they stay low in the tank?
A covered top (lid or mesh) helps keep their normal “dart to cover” behavior from turning into an accidental jump, especially during the first weeks.
Will it hide right after introduction?
It often stays close to its chosen crevice or overhang at first and then expands its comfort zone as it learns the tank’s flow patterns and feeding schedule.
Can I keep more than one?
Many hobbyists have the best results when multiple are added at the same time, so they sort out spacing together and settle into a shared area.
What foods get the best feeding response?
Fine frozen foods (like small mysis, calanus/copepod blends, and finely chopped seafood) tend to be taken quickly, and many individuals transition well to small pellets once they associate you with feeding.
Where will it “sleep” or rest at night?
Most choose a consistent rock crevice, ledge, or rubble pocket and return to that same spot when the lights go down.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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