Gobies

Blackfin dartfish (Ptereleotris evides)

The Blackfin dartfish (Ptereleotris evides) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a plankton feeder and usually seen in pairs or small groups. It reaches about 10 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Blackfin dartfish (Ptereleotris evides), a Red Sea fish of the gobies family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePtereleotris evides
FamilyGobies (Gobiidae)
Common name (IT)Dartfish coda a forchetta
Common name (EN)Blackfin dartfish
Maximum size10 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Blackfin dartfish belong to?
The Blackfin dartfish (Ptereleotris evides) belongs to the family Gobiidae (gobies).
Is the Blackfin dartfish dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Blackfin dartfish endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Blackfin dartfish get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 10 cm.

Explore the Blackfin dartfish in 3D in the interactive atlas →