{"product_id":"blue-gudgeon-dartfish","title":"Blue Gudgeon Dartfish - Ptereleotris heteroptera","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Blue Gudgeon Dartfish (\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePtereleotris heteroptera\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e) is a peaceful schooling reef fish known for its slender body, shimmering blue coloration, and constant hovering behavior in the water column. Native to Indo-Pacific reef slopes and lagoons, this species is commonly found in groups above sandy areas and rubble zones where they quickly retreat into burrows when threatened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eTheir graceful swimming style and active midwater presence make them an excellent addition to peaceful reef aquariums. Blue Gudgeon Dartfish are especially attractive when kept in compatible groups within larger systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Easy to Moderate – Hardy once acclimated but sensitive to aggression\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e 30+ gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAquarium Setup:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Peaceful reef aquarium with secure rockwork, sandy areas, and moderate flow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBlue Gudgeon Dartfish require plenty of open swimming space while still having access to rock crevices and hiding areas where they can retreat if startled. A calm environment helps them feel secure and remain visible throughout the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBlue Gudgeon Dartfish are carnivorous planktivores that feed on suspended zooplankton and small meaty foods in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Carnivore – Feeds on small suspended foods\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRecommended Foods:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCopepods and zooplankton\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely chopped frozen foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall marine pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThey generally adapt well to prepared foods and benefit from multiple smaller feedings throughout the day when possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan \u0026amp; Growth Rate\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 3–5 years\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWith stable water quality and peaceful tank mates, Blue Gudgeon Dartfish can remain active and healthy for several years in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Peaceful – Calm schooling species\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReef Safe?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e Yes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eBlue Gudgeon Dartfish are completely reef safe and do not bother corals or invertebrates. They are ideal for community reef aquariums with other peaceful fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThey may become stressed or hide frequently when housed with aggressive wrasses, dottybacks, larger hawkfish, or territorial tank mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Challenges \u0026amp; Considerations\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eJumping Risk:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis species is an exceptional jumper, especially when startled. A tightly fitted lid is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAggression Sensitivity:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAggressive tank mates can cause chronic stress and prevent normal feeding behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGroup Dynamics:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are often more comfortable in small groups within larger aquariums, though adequate space is important to reduce territorial disputes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eBurrow Dependence:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlue Gudgeon Dartfish need access to secure hiding areas and may dive into rock crevices or substrate when frightened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater Conditions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 75–77°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edKH (Alkalinity):\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8–9\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003epH:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 8.1–8.3\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eStable water chemistry, peaceful tank mates, and strong oxygenation help support natural schooling behavior and long-term health in Blue Gudgeon Dartfish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49117578625322,"sku":"GOBYxBlueGudg","price":42.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/tsa-fish-blue-gudgeon-dartfish-ptereleotris-heteroptera-1239011115.png?v=1779060255","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/blue-gudgeon-dartfish","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}