Firefish- purple

Purple Firefish - Elegant Grace and Stunning Color

The Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora), also known as the Decorated Firefish or Elegant Firefish, is one of the most beautiful and graceful dartfish available to reef keepers. With its stunning gradient coloration that transitions from pale cream to deep purple-red, elongated dorsal fin, and elegant hovering behavior, this captivating fish brings exceptional beauty and peaceful charm to any reef aquarium. The Purple Firefish is a true gem that adds both color and graceful movement to your underwater landscape.

Key Features:

• Stunning Gradient Coloration: Beautiful transition from pale cream-yellow to deep purple-red
• Elegant Dorsal Fin: Long, flowing first dorsal spine that's constantly displayed
• Graceful Hovering: Hovers in the water column with gentle, deliberate movements
• Peaceful Temperament: Extremely peaceful with all tank mates
• Reef Safe: Completely safe with all corals and invertebrates
• Nano Reef Suitable: Small size makes it perfect for smaller aquariums
• Hardy & Adaptable: Generally hardy once acclimated to aquarium life

Care Requirements:

Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons; perfect for nano reefs
Diet: Carnivore - readily accepts frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality pellets
Temperament: Peaceful; can be kept in pairs in larger tanks
Reef Compatibility: Excellent - will not harm corals or invertebrates
Experience Level: Beginner to Advanced - suitable for all skill levels
Adult Size: 3-4 inches maximum

Breathtaking Coloration:

The Purple Firefish displays one of the most beautiful color gradients in the marine aquarium hobby:

• Front of body is pale cream to yellow-white
• Color gradually transitions through pink and lavender tones
• Rear body and tail are deep purple-red to magenta
• Smooth, seamless gradient creates a stunning ombré effect
• Long dorsal spine displays matching gradient coloration
• Purple coloration is more intense than the similar Helfrichi Firefish
• Colors appear even more vibrant under actinic lighting
• Well-fed specimens display the most intense coloration

Elegant Behavior:

Purple Firefish are graceful hoverers that spend most of their time suspended in the water column near caves or overhangs. They hover with gentle, deliberate movements, constantly displaying their elongated dorsal fin. When startled, they quickly dart backward into their chosen cave or crevice, only to reemerge moments later. This elegant behavior is mesmerizing to watch and adds a sense of calm, graceful movement to your aquarium.

Perfect for Nano Reefs:

The Purple Firefish's small adult size (3-4 inches) makes it an ideal choice for nano reef aquariums. In tanks as small as 20 gallons, this fish can thrive and become a stunning centerpiece. They don't require large swimming spaces and are comfortable in smaller systems with adequate rockwork and hiding spots.

Feeding:

Purple Firefish are easy to feed and readily accept a variety of foods. Offer frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and quality carnivore pellets 1-2 times daily. They have small mouths, so ensure food is appropriately sized. A varied diet maintains their vibrant gradient coloration and supports optimal health. These fish are active feeders and will eagerly compete for food during feeding time.

Pairing Considerations:

Purple Firefish can be kept in pairs in tanks 30+ gallons, making them one of the few dartfish species that tolerate conspecifics well. Pairs often hover together near their shared cave, creating a beautiful display. If keeping a pair, introduce both fish simultaneously to minimize territorial disputes. Bonded pairs may spawn in captivity, rising together in the water column to release eggs and sperm.

Compatibility:

Purple Firefish are among the most peaceful fish available and can be kept with virtually any tank mates, including:

• Other peaceful dartfish and firefish (including their own species in pairs)
• Clownfish, gobies, blennies, and other peaceful community fish
• All types of corals, including delicate soft corals and LPS
• Shrimp, crabs, snails, and all invertebrates

Avoid housing with aggressive fish or large predators. Their shy nature and small size make them vulnerable to harassment from aggressive species.

Tank Setup:

Provide plenty of caves, overhangs, and hiding spots where the Purple Firefish can retreat when startled. They'll establish a favorite cave and spend most of their time hovering near its entrance. Moderate to low lighting is preferred, though they'll adapt to brighter systems. Gentle to moderate water flow is ideal. A secure lid is essential, as dartfish are accomplished jumpers and will jump if startled or if water quality deteriorates.

Jumping Prevention - Critical:

Purple Firefish are excellent jumpers and WILL jump out of open aquariums. A tight-fitting lid with no gaps is absolutely essential. Even small openings can be escape routes. This is one of the most common causes of loss with dartfish species. Ensure all openings are covered, especially during the acclimation period when jumping risk is highest.

Shy Nature:

Purple Firefish can be shy, especially when first introduced or if housed with aggressive tank mates. They may spend more time hiding initially but will become bolder as they acclimate and feel secure. Keeping them in pairs, providing plenty of hiding spots, and housing them with peaceful tank mates all help build their confidence.

Comparison to Other Firefish:

The Purple Firefish is closely related to the Fire Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica) and Helfrichi Firefish (Nemateleotris helfrichi):

• Fire Goby: White front, yellow middle, red-orange rear - most common and affordable
• Purple Firefish: Cream front, deep purple-red rear - more intense purple than Helfrichi
• Helfrichi Firefish: Yellow front, purple-red rear - rarest and most expensive

The Purple Firefish offers exceptional color at a more accessible price point than the rare Helfrichi.

Acclimation:

Take extra care during acclimation, using a slow drip method over 1-2 hours. Purple Firefish can be sensitive to rapid changes in water parameters. Dim the lights during acclimation and for the first day to reduce stress. Ensure the lid is secure before beginning acclimation, as stressed fish are more likely to jump.

Captive-Bred Advantage:

Our Purple Firefish are captive-bred when available, ensuring superior health, disease resistance, and adaptability to aquarium conditions. Captive breeding also protects wild reef populations while providing you with a hardier, more resilient fish that's already acclimated to prepared foods and aquarium life.

Our Purple Firefish are carefully selected, quarantined, and eating well before shipment. Each fish is backed by our live arrival guarantee, ensuring your stunning firefish arrives healthy and ready to bring its breathtaking gradient beauty and graceful elegance to your reef aquarium.