Helfrichi Firefish

Helfrichi Firefish

Nemateleotris helfrichi

Also known as: Helfrich's Firefish, Helfrich's Dartfish

🧂 Saltwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore Reef Safe

The rarest and most coveted of the firefish species, with a stunning lavender-purple body and bright yellow-orange head. A deep-water species that commands premium prices in the hobby.

Tank Size

20 gal
minimum (30+ preferred)

Temperature

74–80°F
23–27°C

pH Range

8–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

2.5"
6.3 cm

Lifespan

3-5 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

Needs a tight-fitting lid as firefish are notorious jumpers. Provide caves and overhangs. Prefers subdued lighting. Keep singly or in mated pairs only.

Feeding

Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and marine pellets. Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts.

Compatible Tank Mates

Blue Green Chromis 3" Pink Skunk Clownfish 3.5" Skunk Clownfish 4" Orange Skunk Clownfish 4.5" Talbot's Damselfish 2.5" Lubbock's Fairy Wrasse 3" Melanurus Wrasse 5" Cleaner Wrasse 4" Yellow Coris Wrasse 5" Carpenter's Flasher Wrasse 3" Firefish Goby 3" Yellow Watchman Goby 4"

Use Caution With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Convict Tang 8" Azure Damselfish 2.5" Springer's Damselfish 2"

Incompatible With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Naso Tang 18" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Jewel Damselfish 6" Blonde Naso Tang 16" Orange Shoulder Tang 14"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Helfrichi Firefish is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.