Scissortail Dartfish saltwater fish care guide

Ptereleotris evides is an elongated, laterally compressed dartfish whose light bluish-gray forebody darkens dramatically toward the rear, ending in blackish to reddish caudal lobes that frame a pale central tail area. The tall dorsal and anal fins are dark, and iridescent blue and orange-red markings accent the face and pectoral region. Juveniles carry a distinct black spot near the lower base of the caudal fin. Adults reach roughly 5.5 inches. The species is widely distributed through the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific islands, with records from southern Japan, eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, and Rapa.

In the wild, this dartfish occupies outer reef slopes, lagoons, and bays, where it hovers above the bottom rather than resting on it. Replicate that arrangement with a sand or fine substrate, securely stacked rockwork offering several caves and crevices for instant retreat, and a generous volume of open midwater for cruising. A minimum of 30 gallons suits an adult, and moderate flow helps carry food through the hovering zone while keeping the fish comfortable. Stable, well-established marine conditions and a calm setting encourage it to hold position in the open. A tightly fitted lid or mesh screen is not optional: this fish startles readily and is an accomplished jumper.

Wild individuals are carnivorous zooplankton feeders, picking prey from the water column while suspended above the reef. In the aquarium, offer a rotation of small meaty items such as enriched brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, copepods, cyclops, and finely chopped krill or other marine seafood, supplemented with quality preparations formulated for marine carnivores.

Feed small portions once or twice daily, with two feedings preferred to match the near-constant grazing behavior of a planktivore. Introducing food into the current so it drifts through the fish's hovering area produces the most reliable response. Newly acquired specimens that hesitate to accept prepared items can often be coaxed into feeding with live, enriched adult brine shrimp before transitioning to frozen and prepared foods.

Enriched Brine Shrimp Mysis Shrimp Copepods Cyclops Finely Chopped Krill Chopped Marine Seafood Marine Carnivore Preparations
The Scissortail Dartfish is a peaceful, constantly active open-water hoverer that suits calm community aquariums. Wild adults are typically found in monogamous pairs, while juveniles gather in small aggregations. In captivity, a single specimen or an established pair is the conservative approach, since conspecifics may chase and injure subordinate individuals; larger groups are workable only when all fish are introduced simultaneously into a spacious tank with multiple retreats. Avoid aggressive or highly competitive tankmates, including groupers, dottybacks, triggerfishes, aggressive angelfishes, large hawkfish, and predatory wrasses, all of which can intimidate this fish or monopolize food before it eats.

This species is reef-safe and shows no interest in nipping corals or damaging sessile invertebrates. It generally coexists with ornamental shrimp, crabs, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp, and snails, though very small planktonic crustaceans fall within its natural prey range and may be consumed. Because it will not disturb corals or clams, it makes a natural choice for mixed reef displays where its midwater cruising adds movement above the rockwork.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Scissortail Dartfish

  • What aquarium layout best suits a Scissortail Dartfish?
    Use a securely covered aquarium of at least 30 gallons with open midwater swimming room, sand or fine substrate, and stable rockwork containing several caves and crevices. Mature conditions, moderate flow, and quiet tankmates help it settle and hover in the open.
  • Should it be kept singly, as a pair, or in a group?
    A single fish or an established pair is the safest choice, since wild adults form monogamous pairs and captive conspecifics may chase and injure subordinates. Groups succeed only when all individuals are added together to a large tank with multiple retreats.
  • Why is a tight lid so important for this species?
    The Scissortail Dartfish is easily startled and a strong jumper, so a tightly fitted lid or mesh screen prevents it from launching out of the aquarium.