Blackfin Dartfish

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia 

Phylum: Chordata 

Class: Teleostei 

Order : Gobiiformes

Familly : Gobiidae

Genus: Ptereleotris 

Ptereleotris evides

Habitat & Distribution : Hindia-Pasific Ocean

Diet: Plankton

Size: Up to 14 Cm

Lifespan: 3 - 8 Years

Description

It has a slender, elongated, torpedo-like body with a maximum length of approximately 14 cm. The color of the anterior body is typically a pale bluish-grey, grading into a deep black or purplish hue towards the rear, including on the dorsal and anal fins.

Behavior

As adults, these fish live monogamously (in pairs) and are often seen hovering 1–2 meters above the sandy bottom to feed on zooplankton. When threatened, they dart quickly into holes or rock crevices.

Reproduction

The Blackfin Dartfish  reproduces by laying eggs in a protected underwater burrow. Before spawning, the fish seeks a mate; once mature, they live monogamously. The pair lives, forages, and defends their territory together.

Communication & Perception

Black-finned Rocketfish often hover high in the water column, making them the first to spot danger. Upon sighting a predator, they dart rapidly toward their burrow.