Helfrichi Firefish question
- Thread starter Cornerboy
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Michael Naegeli
Captainspando
I have two in a 36 gallon. They r very social in the evening. They are totally hiding out most all day. Last 3-4 hours of lights on they come out and are always hungry. They’re very cool
Firefish as you own them get more adventurous with time. It would not be uncommon to see the hide most of the time and come out, eat then hide again; for first weeks or months.
Tank mate selection also will play a role. Semi-aggressive fish with them, more likely to hide. Avoid fish from the same family, they are territorial to conspecifics unless a pair and there is no way to determine sex besides behavior. And that method if done unsafely leads to fish passing.
If your tank is large enough and want a group of dartfish, scissor tails are a better fit.
Tank mate selection also will play a role. Semi-aggressive fish with them, more likely to hide. Avoid fish from the same family, they are territorial to conspecifics unless a pair and there is no way to determine sex besides behavior. And that method if done unsafely leads to fish passing.
If your tank is large enough and want a group of dartfish, scissor tails are a better fit.
eatbreakfast
Fish Nerd
Unless they are a bonded firefish do not do well with conspecifics in aquaria.
If they are housed with peaceful tankmates they can be quite outgoing. If they are kept with boisterous fish they are more retiring.
They are accomplished jumpers.
If they are housed with peaceful tankmates they can be quite outgoing. If they are kept with boisterous fish they are more retiring.
They are accomplished jumpers.
BoBoBREWSKI
Active Member
Not a helfrichi, but my purple firefish and regular firefish get along OK in my little 13.5 nano. They basically ignore each other.
408Dartfish
Well-Known Member
I only have one helfrichi in my 69g that is quite stocked and he is great. Out all the time and not intimidated by much. Peaceful tank ran by a midas blenny and flasher wrasse. Hangs out near the bottom middle all day.
dawi03
Active Member
how does it go with the Midas? does the midas nip at it at all?I only have one helfrichi in my 69g that is quite stocked and he is great. Out all the time and not intimidated by much. Peaceful tank ran by a midas blenny and flasher wrasse. Hangs out near the bottom middle all day.
i cant think
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The helfrichi usually lives for 3-5 years, sometimes 7 if under the right care.
they spend a decent amount of time in the water column however fish stock will greatly affect these guys. Anything aggressive like a tang and it’ll be in hiding for quite some time, sometimes leading to death if not dealt with quick enough.
About the groups, the reason these animals usually only come in one at a time is due to them being solitary animals in the wild. A pair is rare, as they prefer it being alone. The only species of fire fish that can be communal is Nemateleotris magnifica, even that is a hard species to group.
It’s a hit or miss on if they can be with other species in the genus (NOT family - the family is gobiidae and these guys can be with eachother quite happily).
I’m aware this is a slightly older thread however may aswell put this here so people can have the information if they need it.
