Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris Evides)
Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)
The Scissortail Dartfish, also known as the Blackfin Dartfish or Spottail Gudgeon, is an elegant, high-contrast fish that brings a sense of constant, graceful motion to the aquarium. Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific—and very common in the shallow reef slopes of Indonesia—this species is a favorite for reef keepers who want a peaceful "schooling" effect without the aggression of certain damsels.
Key Information
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Common Names: Scissortail Dartfish, Blackfin Dartfish, Spottail Gudgeon
-
Scientific Name: Ptereleotris evides
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to the Line Islands, including all of Indonesia)
-
Max Size: 12–14 cm (approx. 5 inches)
-
Lifespan: 3–5 years
-
Temperament: Very Peaceful; shy if kept alone
-
Diet: Carnivore – Planktivore
-
Care Level: Easy (Hardy)
Appearance & Identification
The Scissortail is defined by its sleek, aerodynamic "torpedo" shape and its distinct two-tone coloration:
-
The Body: The front half of the fish is a pale, shimmering blue-to-grey, which transitions into a deep charcoal or black toward the tail.
-
The Fins: It features long, delicate dorsal and anal fins that are often edged in black or dark blue.
-
The Tail: Its namesake feature is a deeply forked, scissor-like tail with dark upper and lower lobes, often showing a hint of orange or red in the center.
-
The Glow: Under actinic (blue) reef lighting, their pale front half takes on an iridescent, pearlescent glow.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The "Bolt" Response: Like all dartfish, they are incredibly fast. If they feel threatened, they will "dart" into a hole in the rockwork with such speed they almost seem to disappear.
-
Social Structure: They are highly social. While you can keep one, they are much more confident and visible when kept in groups of 3 or more. In a group, they will hover together in the mid-water column, facing the current.
-
Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They pose zero threat to corals, clams, or invertebrates.
-
Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful companions. They are easily bullied by aggressive fish like Dottybacks or large Wrasses. They pair perfectly with Anthias, Firefish, and peaceful Gobies.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a small group.
-
Lid is Mandatory: This is a "must-have" for this species. Scissortails are expert jumpers. Even a small gap in your tank cover is an invitation for them to end up on the floor if they get spooked at night.
-
Rockwork: Provide plenty of crevices and "bolt-holes." They like to have a specific spot in the rocks where the entire group can retreat simultaneously.
-
Water Flow: They enjoy moderate flow. In the wild, they hover above the reef to catch plankton drifting by in the current.
Dietary Needs
They have high metabolisms and need frequent small meals:
-
Diet: Primarily frozen meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine shrimp, Calanus, and cyclops.
-
Dry Foods: They are usually very easy to transition to high-quality marine flakes and small pellets once they feel secure in the tank.
-
Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily to keep them healthy and active.
Why Choose the Scissortail Dartfish?
The Scissortail is for the hobbyist who wants a hardy, active, and budget-friendly schooling fish. Their unique swimming style and "scissor" tail make them a more interesting alternative to common Chromis. Since they are native to Indonesian waters, they are usually readily available and acclimate very quickly to home aquariums.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris Evides)
Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris Evides)
Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)
The Scissortail Dartfish, also known as the Blackfin Dartfish or Spottail Gudgeon, is an elegant, high-contrast fish that brings a sense of constant, graceful motion to the aquarium. Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific—and very common in the shallow reef slopes of Indonesia—this species is a favorite for reef keepers who want a peaceful "schooling" effect without the aggression of certain damsels.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Scissortail Dartfish, Blackfin Dartfish, Spottail Gudgeon
-
Scientific Name: Ptereleotris evides
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to the Line Islands, including all of Indonesia)
-
Max Size: 12–14 cm (approx. 5 inches)
-
Lifespan: 3–5 years
-
Temperament: Very Peaceful; shy if kept alone
-
Diet: Carnivore – Planktivore
-
Care Level: Easy (Hardy)
Appearance & Identification
The Scissortail is defined by its sleek, aerodynamic "torpedo" shape and its distinct two-tone coloration:
-
The Body: The front half of the fish is a pale, shimmering blue-to-grey, which transitions into a deep charcoal or black toward the tail.
-
The Fins: It features long, delicate dorsal and anal fins that are often edged in black or dark blue.
-
The Tail: Its namesake feature is a deeply forked, scissor-like tail with dark upper and lower lobes, often showing a hint of orange or red in the center.
-
The Glow: Under actinic (blue) reef lighting, their pale front half takes on an iridescent, pearlescent glow.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The "Bolt" Response: Like all dartfish, they are incredibly fast. If they feel threatened, they will "dart" into a hole in the rockwork with such speed they almost seem to disappear.
-
Social Structure: They are highly social. While you can keep one, they are much more confident and visible when kept in groups of 3 or more. In a group, they will hover together in the mid-water column, facing the current.
-
Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They pose zero threat to corals, clams, or invertebrates.
-
Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful companions. They are easily bullied by aggressive fish like Dottybacks or large Wrasses. They pair perfectly with Anthias, Firefish, and peaceful Gobies.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a small group.
-
Lid is Mandatory: This is a "must-have" for this species. Scissortails are expert jumpers. Even a small gap in your tank cover is an invitation for them to end up on the floor if they get spooked at night.
-
Rockwork: Provide plenty of crevices and "bolt-holes." They like to have a specific spot in the rocks where the entire group can retreat simultaneously.
-
Water Flow: They enjoy moderate flow. In the wild, they hover above the reef to catch plankton drifting by in the current.
Dietary Needs
They have high metabolisms and need frequent small meals:
-
Diet: Primarily frozen meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine shrimp, Calanus, and cyclops.
-
Dry Foods: They are usually very easy to transition to high-quality marine flakes and small pellets once they feel secure in the tank.
-
Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily to keep them healthy and active.
Why Choose the Scissortail Dartfish?
The Scissortail is for the hobbyist who wants a hardy, active, and budget-friendly schooling fish. Their unique swimming style and "scissor" tail make them a more interesting alternative to common Chromis. Since they are native to Indonesian waters, they are usually readily available and acclimate very quickly to home aquariums.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
Scissortail Dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)
The Scissortail Dartfish, also known as the Blackfin Dartfish or Spottail Gudgeon, is an elegant, high-contrast fish that brings a sense of constant, graceful motion to the aquarium. Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific—and very common in the shallow reef slopes of Indonesia—this species is a favorite for reef keepers who want a peaceful "schooling" effect without the aggression of certain damsels.
Key Information
-
Common Names: Scissortail Dartfish, Blackfin Dartfish, Spottail Gudgeon
-
Scientific Name: Ptereleotris evides
-
Origin: Indo-Pacific (Red Sea to the Line Islands, including all of Indonesia)
-
Max Size: 12–14 cm (approx. 5 inches)
-
Lifespan: 3–5 years
-
Temperament: Very Peaceful; shy if kept alone
-
Diet: Carnivore – Planktivore
-
Care Level: Easy (Hardy)
Appearance & Identification
The Scissortail is defined by its sleek, aerodynamic "torpedo" shape and its distinct two-tone coloration:
-
The Body: The front half of the fish is a pale, shimmering blue-to-grey, which transitions into a deep charcoal or black toward the tail.
-
The Fins: It features long, delicate dorsal and anal fins that are often edged in black or dark blue.
-
The Tail: Its namesake feature is a deeply forked, scissor-like tail with dark upper and lower lobes, often showing a hint of orange or red in the center.
-
The Glow: Under actinic (blue) reef lighting, their pale front half takes on an iridescent, pearlescent glow.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
-
The "Bolt" Response: Like all dartfish, they are incredibly fast. If they feel threatened, they will "dart" into a hole in the rockwork with such speed they almost seem to disappear.
-
Social Structure: They are highly social. While you can keep one, they are much more confident and visible when kept in groups of 3 or more. In a group, they will hover together in the mid-water column, facing the current.
-
Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe. They pose zero threat to corals, clams, or invertebrates.
-
Tank Mates: Must be kept with peaceful companions. They are easily bullied by aggressive fish like Dottybacks or large Wrasses. They pair perfectly with Anthias, Firefish, and peaceful Gobies.
Ideal Tank Setup
-
Tank Size: A minimum of 115L (30 Gallons) for a small group.
-
Lid is Mandatory: This is a "must-have" for this species. Scissortails are expert jumpers. Even a small gap in your tank cover is an invitation for them to end up on the floor if they get spooked at night.
-
Rockwork: Provide plenty of crevices and "bolt-holes." They like to have a specific spot in the rocks where the entire group can retreat simultaneously.
-
Water Flow: They enjoy moderate flow. In the wild, they hover above the reef to catch plankton drifting by in the current.
Dietary Needs
They have high metabolisms and need frequent small meals:
-
Diet: Primarily frozen meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine shrimp, Calanus, and cyclops.
-
Dry Foods: They are usually very easy to transition to high-quality marine flakes and small pellets once they feel secure in the tank.
-
Feeding Frequency: Feed 2–3 times daily to keep them healthy and active.
Why Choose the Scissortail Dartfish?
The Scissortail is for the hobbyist who wants a hardy, active, and budget-friendly schooling fish. Their unique swimming style and "scissor" tail make them a more interesting alternative to common Chromis. Since they are native to Indonesian waters, they are usually readily available and acclimate very quickly to home aquariums.
