Fish
Dartfish
Ptereleotridae · also called dartfishes
Hovering a careful distance above its burrow entrance, a dartfish picks plankton from the passing current, ready to vanish instantly with the sudden burst of speed that gives the whole family its name the moment anything looks like trouble.
Overview
The dartfish, family Ptereleotridae, is native to ocean and coastal reef habitat across tropical regions worldwide. Its lightning-fast escape response, close association with shared burrows, and habit of hovering just above shelter make it one of the more cautious and quick-reacting small fish found on reefs anywhere.
Always one dart away from safety
The dartfish’s entire lifestyle is built around never being more than an instant from shelter, hovering just far enough from its burrow to feed while staying perfectly positioned for an immediate retreat.
Status
Least Concern as a family, remaining widespread and generally common across suitable reef habitat worldwide, though individual species vary.
Dartfish: common questions
Why is it called the dartfish?
It retreats with a sudden, rapid burst of speed into a burrow or crevice when startled, a quick darting motion that gives the family its common name.
Does the dartfish live alone or with others?
It is frequently found in pairs or small groups, and some species share a burrow with a goby or shrimp partner.
What does the dartfish eat?
It is a carnivore that feeds on zooplankton picked from the water column near its burrow.
Where are dartfish found?
They are native to ocean and coastal reef habitat across tropical regions worldwide.