Twotone Dartfish

Ptereleotris evides

Twotone Dartfish is a small reef-associated goby relative from the Indo-Pacific, best known for hovering above sandy bottoms and darting back to burrows when startled. It is not a common angling target and is usually observed rather than caught.

Saltwater

Twotone Dartfish reference image — Rickard Zerpe, cc-by, via Wikimedia Commons. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Identification points

Pale yellow to tan front half with distinctly darker rear half
Slender dartfish body with two separated dorsal fins
Small head and large eyes, usually hovering just above the bottom

Habitat

Coral reef slopes, patch reefs, and adjacent sand or rubble flats with nearby burrows; typically in shallow to moderate tropical marine waters.

Bait notes

Not a regular game fish. If targeted for aquarium collection or curiosity, tiny live planktonic baits or very small baited hooks may attract it, but capture is uncommon.

Behavior

Forms loose groups above the bottom, rising into the water column to feed on zooplankton and retreating quickly to shelter when threatened. It is a cautious, site-attached species.

Caution

Marine reef species; avoid habitat damage when fishing or collecting nearby. No major human safety issue is known, but local aquarium/collection restrictions may apply.

Fishing notes

Use ultra-light tackle and very small presentations near reef-sand interfaces or burrow areas; most encounters are visual rather than hook-and-line. Best left unmolested on reefs.