Chinese Zebra Bar Dartfish

The Chinese Zebra Bar Dartfish (Ptereleotris zebra) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe, admired for its elongated body, bold black vertical stripes across a silvery-white base, and elegant darting swimming style. Its striking pattern and schooling behavior make it a lively and visually appealing addition to reef aquariums.

Males typically grow slightly larger, may show more intense striping, and can exhibit subtle courtship or territorial behaviors, while females and juveniles remain smaller with softer coloration and less assertive tendencies.

They reach about 4–5 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 30 gallons, though larger tanks are recommended if keeping small groups. Provide ample live rock for hiding, fine sand or rubble substrate, and open swimming space, along with a secure lid since dartfish are well-known jumpers when startled.

Maintain stable water parameters: salinity around 1.020–1.025, temperature between 72–79°F, and pH between 8.1–8.4.

Their diet should consist of mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped meaty foods, and high-quality pellets or flakes designed for carnivorous marine fish. Multiple small feedings throughout the day are ideal to support their active swimming lifestyle.

With proper care, the Chinese Zebra Bar Dartfish makes a standout addition to reef aquariums, offering both striking coloration and peaceful schooling behavior that adds motion and vibrancy to the display.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.