Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora)

The Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) is a stunning dartfish displaying a pale body flushed with purple, magenta, and yellow hues, accented by vivid red-and-purple dorsal and tail fins. Bold and active in reef aquariums, it retreats rapidly into a burrow or rockwork when threatened. Its exceptional coloration makes it one of the most prized small reef fish. A tight-fitting lid is essential as this species is prone to jumping when startled.

Minimum 60 L reef with caves and overhangs. pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.020–1.025, temperature 24–28°C. Feed frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and copepods. Provide tight-fitting lid — prone to jumping. Peaceful with most species; may be bullied by larger aggressive fish. Pairs can be kept together; males may fight. Reef-safe.