Dartfishes are a group of fish that were previously classified as a subfamily, Ptereleotrinae, within the family Microdesmidae of the order Gobiiformes. However, according to authorities, the species in the family Microdesmidae are now considered to be part of the Gobiidae family. The taxonomic status of this grouping within the Gobiidae family is not clearly defined by researchers. It is important to note that dartfishes inhabit saltwater environments.