About Zebra Dartfish

The Zebra Dartfish is an elegant fish with striking black and white vertical stripes that resemble a zebra pattern. They are peaceful, active swimmers that hover in the water column and make beautiful additions to reef tanks. Native to the Indo-Pacific, they are more delicate than some other dartfish and require pristine water conditions. They should be kept in small groups and need plenty of swimming space. Like all dartfish, they can be jumpers and need a secure lid.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Zebra Dartfish need clean water and swimming space.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons
  • Open swimming space
  • Some rockwork for security
  • Tight-fitting lid (jumpers)
  • Moderate flow
  • Temperature 72-78°F
  • Pristine water quality

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <10 ppm (pristine)

Feeding

Carnivores with small mouths:

  • Frozen Mysis shrimp
  • Frozen brine shrimp
  • Marine pellets
  • Copepods

Behavior & Compatibility

Peaceful and active:

  • Schooling: Keep 3-5
  • Peaceful: Perfect reef fish
  • Active swimmers: Constant movement
  • Hover: In water column
  • Shy: Without proper groups

Good Tank Mates:

  • Clownfish
  • Cardinalfish
  • Firefish
  • Gobies
  • Peaceful reef fish

Avoid:

  • Aggressive fish
  • Large predators

Zebra Striping

  • Vertical stripes: Black and white
  • Elegant: Graceful swimmers
  • Yellow accents: On fins

Jumping

  • Can jump: When startled
  • Secure lid: Recommended

Tips for Success

  • Keep in small groups (3-5)
  • Pristine water essential
  • Secure lid recommended
  • Active and elegant
  • Peaceful reef member

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Clownfish
🐠 Cardinalfish
🐠 Firefish
🐠 Gobies