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Firefish are one of the easiest marine fish to feed. They are carnivorous planktivores that hover in the current and pick zooplankton from the water column in the wild, and they readily accept a wide variety of prepared foods in captivity. Unlike mandarin dragonets, which require live copepods, or blue tangs, which need daily nori, firefish will eat almost anything appropriately sized that you offer them.
Firefish Feeding at a Glance
| Diet type | Carnivore / planktivore |
| Best staple food | Frozen mysis shrimp |
| Feeding frequency | Once or twice daily |
| Food size | Small - firefish have small mouths |
| Picky eater? | No - accepts most foods readily |
Frozen Mysis Shrimp - The Best Staple
Frozen mysis shrimp is an excellent staple food and is readily accepted by most firefish. It closely mirrors the small crustaceans they eat in the wild, is nutritionally complete, and is accepted by virtually all firefish. Thaw in a small cup of tank water before feeding and broadcast into the current - firefish will dart out to intercept food drifting in the water column. Offer daily or every other day as the primary protein source.
High-Quality Marine Pellets
Most firefish accept high-quality marine pellets readily, making pellets a convenient daily staple. Choose a small-sized pellet appropriate for a 3-inch fish. Look for formulas with marine protein sources listed first. Pellets produce less waste than frozen food and are a practical option for daily feeding.
Frozen Brine Shrimp
Frozen brine shrimp is accepted readily and is useful as a feeding stimulant for new or reluctant fish. Standard frozen brine shrimp is lower in nutritional value than mysis shrimp. Enriched or spirulina-loaded brine shrimp has significantly better nutritional value. Use as an occasional supplement rather than a primary food.
Frozen Cyclops and Copepods
Frozen Cyclops and copepods are excellent supplements for firefish. As planktivores, firefish naturally feed on small crustaceans like copepods in the wild. These foods are nutritionally dense and are accepted readily. If you have a refugium producing live copepods, firefish will also benefit from the natural copepod supply seeding the display tank. See our Best Refugiums and Best Copepods for Reef Tanks guides.
How Often to Feed
Feed firefish once or twice daily. Offer only what the fish can consume in 2-3 minutes and remove uneaten food promptly to avoid water quality issues. Firefish are active feeders that hover in the current and intercept food as it drifts past - they will typically come out of their bolt holes to feed once they are established in the tank.
Feeding New Firefish
Newly introduced firefish may hide in their bolt holes and refuse food for 24-72 hours while acclimating. This is normal. Broadcast frozen mysis into the current near their chosen bolt hole - they will often dart out to grab food even when still shy. If the fish is not eating after 5-7 days, check water parameters and inspect for signs of disease. See our Firefish Not Eating guide if the problem persists.
Feeding and Water Quality
Firefish are small fish and do not produce the waste load of larger species. Feed measured amounts and remove uneaten food promptly. A protein skimmer helps manage the organic load from feeding in a reef tank. See our Best Protein Skimmers guide.
Feeding Summary
- Daily or every other day: Frozen mysis shrimp - primary staple
- Daily: High-quality marine pellets - convenient daily option
- 2-3 times per week: Frozen Cyclops or copepods - excellent supplement
- Occasionally: Frozen brine shrimp - supplement or feeding stimulant