Shotsilk Goby (Ptereleotris zebra)
The Shotsilk Goby, Ptereleotris zebra, is a graceful Indo-Pacific dartfish named for its reflective, silk-like colouration, which can appear green, yellow, blue or bronze depending on the viewing angle. Also known as the Zebra Dartfish, Chinese Zebra Goby or Zebra Hovergoby, it has a slender body decorated with fine vertical markings and bright blue facial accents. This peaceful, social planktivore naturally forms groups above shallow, current-swept reefs and makes an attractive addition to mature reef aquariums with calm tank mates, strong oxygenation and a completely secure cover.
Key Features
- Graceful, silken coloration that shifts between green, yellow, blue, and bronze
- Slender body with fine vertical markings and bright blue facial accents
- Peaceful and social, prefers to live in groups
- Planktivore, feeds on small particles in the water column
- Thrives in mature reef tanks with strong oxygenation and secure cover
| Species | Ptereleotris zebra |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Shotsilk Goby, Zebra Dartfish, Chinese Zebra Goby, Zebra Hovergoby |
| Habitat | Indo-Pacific, shallow, current-swept reefs |
| Behavior | Peaceful, social, forms groups above reefs |
| Diet | Planktivore |
FAQ
What are the common names for the Shotsilk Goby?
The Shotsilk Goby is also known as the Zebra Dartfish, Chinese Zebra Goby, Zebra Hovergoby, and Zebra Barred Dartfish.
What kind of tank conditions does the Shotsilk Goby require?
It requires a mature reef aquarium with calm tank mates, strong oxygenation, and a completely secure cover. It thrives in shallow, current-swept reef environments.
How does the coloration of the Shotsilk Goby appear?
The coloration is reflective and silk-like, shifting between green, yellow, blue, or bronze depending on the viewing angle.
Fiona Hart –
Added a group of Shotsilk Gobies to my 120-liter reef tank. They are very active and form a tight group above the sand bed. The color shifts beautifully under different lighting. They seem to be getting along well with other peaceful fish and don’t cause any stress to the tank community.
John Young –
The fish arrived healthy and quickly settled into the tank. Their vertical markings are striking and the blue facial accents stand out. I keep them in a well-oxygenated tank with strong flow, which they seem to enjoy. A nice addition to a mature reef setup.
Christopher Russell –
I’ve had these gobies for three months now. They’re peaceful, social, and always moving in a coordinated group. The color change is subtle but noticeable, especially in the evening light. They don’t eat much but are active and seem happy in their environment.