Scissortail Dartfish

The Scissortail Dartfish, *Ptereleotris evides*, is a graceful and peaceful addition to the marine aquarium, known for its distinctive forked tail that resembles a pair of scissors. This elegant fish glides through the water with a smooth, darting motion, adding a touch of serenity to any reef or fish-only system. Its body is typically a pale blue to grey, often with a darker stripe running along the dorsal fin and back, culminating in its namesake tail.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for the Scissortail Dartfish. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they are often found in pairs or small groups hovering over sandy or rubble bottoms near reefs. In the home aquarium, providing a similar environment with plenty of open swimming space and areas to retreat to is beneficial. They are generally peaceful and can be kept with a variety of other non-aggressive marine fish. They are not known to bother corals or invertebrates, making them an excellent choice for reef aquariums.

In the aquarium, the Scissortail Dartfish will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality marine flake food, pellet food, frozen mysis shrimp, and enriched brine shrimp. Offering a diverse diet will help maintain their health and vibrant appearance. They are considered a beginner-level fish due to their peaceful nature and relatively easy care requirements. They typically reach a maximum size of around 5 inches in captivity. While they are not commonly bred in home aquariums, they are a rewarding and beautiful species to keep.