Purple firefish
Nemateleotris decora · Microdesmidae
Also known as Decorated dartfish, Helfrichi relative
Beginner
A calmer, more expensive dartfish than the common firefish; hovers just above the rock.
In short: A purple firefish needs at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is peaceful, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- Reef safe.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Aggression
- Shy.
- Feeding
- Small feeds twice daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 75 L (20 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 3–6 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, cyclops, small pellets.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Deeper rubble slopes
- Natural conditions
- Moderate flow, rubble burrows, tight lid.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishCardinalfishGobies
- Avoid
- DottybacksHawkfishDamsels
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- Not visually sexable.
- Notes
- Not bred at home.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichJumping injuries
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Purple firefish against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanks
