Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris Decora)

Species Name : Nemateleotris Decora

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Purple, Red, White, Yellow

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3"

Origin : Maldives

Family : Gobiidae

Minimum Tank Size : 20 gallons

Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris Decora) or Elegant Firefish, is a species of dartfish native to tropical waters in the Indo-West Pacific.

The Elegant Firefish is a slender, colourful fish. The head is purple and the body colour is whitish or yellowish, gradually darkening to deep grey towards the tail. The fins have longitudinal bands of purple, red, black and orange. It reaches a maximum length of 9 cm (3 in).

The Elegant Firefish likes to live in a reef aquarium. It is important for the well-being of this shy fish to provide many small hiding places. You should also provide a large area of open sand that is reminiscent of its natural habitat. It requires a 20 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble as part of the aquascape, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank.

It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. These fish are relatively docile and will not attack tankmates where kept in a suitably sized aquarium; however, if kept in confined quarters these fish may squabble over territory. In fact, how well they get along with each other will depend very much on the volume in which they are kept.

The Nemateleotris Decora is an omnivorous fish that tends to be carnivorous. The Exquisite Firefish will feed mostly on prey suspended in the water column, but will pick food off the substrate. Its varied diet should consist of enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped or shaved seafood, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. The vibrant coloring may fade under intense illumination and if the diet is not fortified with vitamin supplements.

Size: 1-3/4" to 2-3/4"