The pristine coral reefs within Wakatobi Resort’s marine preserve are home to almost 1,000 species of fish. With so many fascinating subjects to discover, some of the more common varieties are too often overlooked during searches for the rare and exotic. This is unfortunate because every fish has a fascinating story to tell divers and snorkelers who take the time to stop and watch. Take the dartfish, for example.

Finding dartfish at Wakatobi isn’t difficult. You start by locating a patch of sand or rubble located between coral heads and open to water currents. The moving water is an important element of the setting because dartfish feed on tiny zooplankton, and instead of swimming about and foraging to catch their meals they prefer to let the flow bring dinner to them.

The dartfish’s stationary hunting techniques allow it to remain close to the safety of an underground sanctuary. Photo by Chris Cheung

Depending on the species, dartfish can be found singly, in pairs, or in small groups. They typically hover a meter or less above the seabed, facing into the current and holding position with the occasional flick of the tail. Dartfish have keen eyesight, which allows them to spot small prey as it drifts their way. Once a chosen morsel is within range, the dartfish might make a slight left or right movement to intercept the meal, which is swallowed with a quick gulp.

The dartfish’s stationary hunting techniques allow it to remain close to the safety of an underground sanctuary. Some species will dig their own burrows, using their tails to excavate the sand. Other species take advantage of holes already dug by crabs, shrimp, or other species of fish.

The dartfish family is currently thought to have 21 members, and it’s generally agreed that these fish are monogamous, forming a lasting male/female bond. Here, a pair of flame dartfish. Photo by Walt Stearns

There are many different common names for dartfish, including dart gobies, dartgobies, gudgeons, and gudgeon-gobies. Adding to this confusion is a historical disagreement among marine biologists on the exact classification of dartfish. The family is currently thought to have 21 members, and it’s generally agreed that these fish are monogamous, forming a lasting male/female bond. Little is known about their mating behaviors and reproduction cycles, thanks to the shy and elusive nature of the fish.

There is no color differentiation between male and female dartfish, and the only telltale evidence of their sex occurs when a female swells with eggs before spawning. After a spawn, egg clusters are kept within the underground borrows, with males of some species being the sole caregiver and other species involving both parents in the egg watch. Once hatched, larval dartfish are released into the currents to fend for themselves. Once they reach a size of about 2 centimeters the juveniles will leave the plankton flow and settle into the seabed.

Four species of dartfish are commonly found on Wakatobi reefs. The fire or flame dartfish is easily recognized by its bright yellow head, which merges into a white body that gradually transitions to a red-orange tail. These fish, which may reach a maximum length of 8 to 9 centimeters, have elongated dorsal fins that are flicked as a means of signaling a partner or members of a larger group.

The two-tone dartfish, or bi-color, can grow to 12 centimeters or more and is easily identified by its light-blue head and dark-blue tail section.

One of the larger species commonly spotted on Wakatobi sand patches is the bi-color or two-tone dartfish, which can grow to 12 centimeters or more and is easily identified by its light-blue head and dark-blue tail section.

What the pearly dartfish lacks in bright coloration it makes up for with a lustrous bluish-gray skin tone that can appear semi-translucent under some lighting conditions. These fish can reach a length of 10 centimeters, and in addition to living on the outer fringes of the reef, these fish may sometimes be found closer to shore in shallows where there is some tidal movement.

The most colorful member of the family found at Wakatobi is the decorated dartfish, also known as the elegant firefish. These fish display a distinct white-to-gray fade that is accentuated by vivid purple and orange fins. Though less common at Wakatobi than other varieties, they can sometimes be found near the edge of a drop-off where there is a stronger current flow.

Dartfish are just one of the hundreds of fascinating fish found on the reefs of Wakatobi.  This bountiful diversity of marine life enthralls divers and provides near-endless hours of fish-watching entertainment., making it a destination that lures visitors time and again.

Come see for yourself the rare and amazing marine life found on our reefs.  Inquire >here.

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