Flagtail dartfish (Ptereleotris uroditaenia)

Scientific name: Ptereleotris uroditaenia Randall & Hoese, 1985

The Flagtail dartfish (Ptereleotris uroditaenia) is a marine fish of the family Ptereleotridae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–27°C (73–81°F). Native range: Western Central Pacific, Indonesia to the Solomon Islands and Australia.

Flagtail dartfish care at a glance

Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 7; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26; Anal spines: 1; Anal soft rays: 24; Vertebrae: 26. Pale bluish in life. Chin with a median longitudinal fold. Scales tiny, closely packed, non imbricate except posteriorly on caudal peduncle. 1st dorsal higher than 2nd fin; rays of 3rd to 5th spines very long and filamentous. Pale markings on head. Named uroditaenia (Greek) in reference to the 2 dark bands on the caudal fin.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Ptereleotris uroditaenia
Family: Ptereleotridae (Dartfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Depth range: 18–35 m (59–115 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; depth range 18 - 35 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Central Pacific: Indonesia to the Solomon Islands and Australia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial