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Purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora)
Photo: TANAKA Juuyoh · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Minimum tank
75 L
Temperature
23–27 °C
pH
8.1–8.4
Adult size
9 cm
Group size
1+
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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
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
75 L
Aggression
Shy.
Feeding
Small feeds twice daily.
Care requirements
Minimum tank volume
75 L
Temperature
23–27 °C
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
Clownfish
Cardinalfish
Gobies
Avoid
Dottybacks
Hawkfish
Damsels
Breeding & difficulty
Breeding difficulty
Advanced
Sexing
Not visually sexable.
Notes
Not bred at home.
Common ailments
Marine ich
Jumping injuries

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