{"product_id":"zebra-bar-goby-ptereleotris-zebra-saltwater","title":"Zebra Bar Goby (Ptereleotris zebra)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eZebra Bar Goby\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePtereleotris zebra\u003c\/em\u003e), also called the Zebra Dartfish or Chinese Zebra Goby, is a peaceful, schooling reef fish prized for its slim torpedo shape and pastel green body with vivid pink-orange vertical bars across the head. It hovers gracefully in midwater above the rockwork and adds constant motion without ever bothering corals or other tank mates — a beginner-friendly addition to almost any peaceful reef. Browse the rest of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003eour saltwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e for more compatible species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 14px 0 4px; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZebra Bar Gobies are easy keepers in a stable, well-established reef. They thrive when housed in small groups of 3 or more, where they spend most of the day hovering side-by-side just above the live rock. Provide plenty of horizontal swimming space and at least one rock cave or PVC tunnel — they retreat into crevices when startled. Like most dartfish, they are champion jumpers, so a tight-fitting mesh lid or canopy is non-negotiable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous. Feed small meaty foods 2–3 times daily — frozen \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-freeze-dried-mysis-shrimp\"\u003emysis shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, brine, finely chopped seafood, and small marine pellets like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tdo-ep1-chroma-boost-medium-fish-food-3oz\"\u003eReef Nutrition TDO-EP1 Chroma BOOST\u003c\/a\u003e. Live \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bulldawg-copepod-mix-live-marine-pods\"\u003ecopepods\u003c\/a\u003e are eagerly accepted and great for conditioning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons minimum for a single fish; 50+ gallons recommended for a small group.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAquascape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Open swimming space above the rockwork plus caves\/crevices for shelter; sandy bottom preferred.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — dartfish are notorious jumpers. A mesh lid or canopy is mandatory.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAcclimation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drip acclimate over 60–90 minutes before adding to your display.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 14px 0 4px; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eZebra Bar Goby, Zebra Dartfish, Chinese Zebra Goby\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePtereleotris zebra\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eMicrodesmidae (dartfish)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eIndo-Pacific (East Africa to Samoa)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003ePeaceful\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eYes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax Adult Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e~4 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e30 gallons\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e72–78°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e1.020–1.025\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003edKH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;\"\u003e8–12\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 14px 0 4px; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZebra Bar Gobies are 100% reef safe and won't harass corals, inverts, or even shrimp. They do well with most peaceful community reef fish but should not be kept with aggressive or much larger predatory species that may view them as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGood tank mates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clownfish, small wrasses (such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/six-line-wrasse\"\u003eSix Line Wrasse\u003c\/a\u003e), gobies, blennies, anthias, cardinalfish, and most peaceful reef fish.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep in groups:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best displayed in groups of 3+ — their natural schooling behavior is the highlight of this species.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aggressive triggers, large lionfish, predatory groupers, and any tank mate large enough to swallow them whole.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 14px 0 4px; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bulldawg-copepod-mix-live-marine-pods\"\u003eBulldawg Live Copepod Mix\u003c\/a\u003e — live marine pods, ideal natural food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/tdo-ep1-chroma-boost-medium-fish-food-3oz\"\u003eReef Nutrition TDO-EP1 Chroma BOOST Pellets\u003c\/a\u003e — small-mouth color-enhancing pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/piscine-energetics-pe-pellets-saltwater-2mm-4oz\"\u003ePiscine Energetics PE Saltwater Pellets 2mm\u003c\/a\u003e — sized for small reef fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-freeze-dried-mysis-shrimp\"\u003eSFBB Freeze Dried Mysis Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e — meaty supplemental feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/nutrition\"\u003eBrowse all marine nutrition\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/salt-water\"\u003eBrowse all saltwater livestock\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin: 14px 0 4px; font-size: 1.05em; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.25;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Zebra Bar Gobies reef safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes — fully reef safe. They won't pick at corals, ornamental shrimp, snails, or other inverts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShould I buy more than one?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStrongly recommended. They naturally school in pairs and small groups; a solo specimen often feels insecure and stays hidden, while a group of 3+ in a 50+ gallon tank is constantly active in open water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo they really jump?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Like all dartfish, they will rocket out of an open-top tank when startled. A mesh lid or full canopy is mandatory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill they bother corals or invertebrates?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Zebra Bar Gobies are peaceful midwater feeders and ignore the rockwork community completely.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48756532216027,"sku":"FGOBA600AA-4","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/zebrabar2.png?v=1778407482","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zebra-bar-goby-ptereleotris-zebra-saltwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}