
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Nemateleotris decora
A beautiful dartfish with purple body and elongated dorsal fin. Shy but stunning coloration.
The purple or decorated firefish (Nemateleotris decora) lives on deeper reef slopes across the Indo-Pacific. The gradient from a pale body to a purple-red tail and the fine, extended first dorsal ray make it elegant; adults reach 7-9 cm. It is more subdued in colour than the related fire goby and highly prized as a display fish. It is timid and dives into rockwork when startled, so a layout with plenty of refuges is important — but the same reflex makes it one of the most frequent jumpers in the hobby, so never keep it in an open-top tank. It harms neither corals nor small invertebrates and suits reef systems well. Conspecifics fight, so a single fish is the safe choice unless the tank is large.
The Purple Firefish lives 3-5 years.
The Purple Firefish grows to 7-9cm.
The ideal temperature for the Purple Firefish is 24〜26℃.
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
7-9cm
Temperature
24〜26℃
Frozen food, Pellets
Sources: LiveAquaria
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Ministry of the Environment Specified Animal List / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Species
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Keep stable seawater at 24-26°C and specific gravity 1.023-1.025. It comes from deeper reef slopes, so avoid sudden changes.
Shy by nature and darts into rock crevices when startled. Provide rockwork with plenty of hiding places.
Takes frozen and prepared foods. Being timid, avoid boisterous tankmates so it can feed calmly.
Harmless to corals and small invertebrates, ideal for reef tanks. Fights with its own kind, so keep singly unless the tank is large.
Jumping common, lid required
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Purple Firefish is 24〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Purple Firefish is 3-5 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Purple Firefish typically reaches 7-9cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Purple Firefish feeds on: Frozen food, Pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Purple Firefish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 15, 2026