Decorated Firefish (Purple Firefish / Nemateleotris decora)
Clean, vibrant, and seriously eye-catching—the Decorated Firefish is one of the best fish you can add if you want instant colour and movement in your reef tank. With its soft white-to-yellow body fading into deep purple and maroon-tipped fins, it looks unreal under reef lighting.
This species is known for its peaceful nature and hovering behaviour, often sitting just above the rockwork before darting back into its cave when startled. It’s a great choice for community reef tanks—but make no mistake, these guys are jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is a must.
They do best in tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding spots, giving them the confidence to come out and display naturally. Once settled, they’re active, graceful, and a real standout.
Why you’ll love it:
- Stunning purple and white colouration
- Peaceful and reef safe
- Unique hovering and darting behaviour
- Great for community tanks
- Adds movement without aggression
Care Guide (Quick Overview):
- Tank Size: 40L+ (larger preferred for stability)
- Temperament: Peaceful (can be territorial with its own kind)
- Diet: Mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood
- Reef Safe: Yes
- Max Size: ~8–9cm
⚠️ Important: Known jumper—secure lid is essential. Best kept singly unless a confirmed pair.