Logo Encyclo-Fish
francais anglais

Marine   Fishes

Purple firefish
(Nemateleotris decora)

Purple firefish

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Nemateleotris decora

Common name
Purple firefish
Elegant firefish

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Natural habitat: lives in shallow water. It always lives close to the ground, usually sand, mud or gravel.

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

None

Group

Group

Microdesmidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

200 then 1 for 100 L / 44 then 1 for 22 Imp Gal / 53 then 1 for 26 US Gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 23 to 27°C or 73 to 81°F
pH: 8.1 to 8.4
Density: 1021 to 1026

Difficulty

Difficulty

Average

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

8 to 10cm (3.1 to 4")

Longevity

what is the average life expectancy of this fish?

7 to 10 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

Couple

Food

How to feed the Purple firefish?

Food

How to feed the Purple firefish?

The Nemateleotris decora is an omnivorous fish that tends to be carnivorous. To feed it satisfactorily, rely mainly on live or, failing that, frozen prey. On the menu: zooplankton, artemia, mysis, chopped pieces of seafood? It can also accept food sold in specialized stores as dry food. Choose high quality foods that will make a very good complement to the basic diet. Indeed, this fish needs a very varied diet to be healthy.

To control the quality and quantity of food absorbed by the goby, nothing could be simpler: look at its colours. If they are beautiful and bright, this is a sign of good nutrition. Conversely, if the fish is dull, you will have to quickly review its diet!

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Purple firefish have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Purple firefish have?

Generally speaking, it is an active fish that swims all the time.

The Purple Fire Goby is peaceful and sociable with the other fish in your tank. It can even be classified as a shy fish. Therefore, always approach your aquarium very calmly so as not to frighten it. Also be careful not to make sudden movements when caring for the tank, prefer softness and slowness so as not to impose stress on it!

Even if cohabitation with other species should not be a problem, the association between specimens of Nemateleotris decora can be delicate. Indeed, it has the reputation of being the most aggressive goby that it is. Paradoxically, it has been observed that an isolated individual has a much lower life expectancy than individuals living in groups. In fact, how well they get along with each other will depend very much on the volume in which they are kept.

Too cramped, they become very aggressive. Ideally, plan to introduce at least 2 gobies in your aquarium (hopefully you'll find a couple!). Sexual dimorphism being non-existent...). You will then need an aquarium of at least 300 litres / 66 Imp Gal / 79 US Gal.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Purple firefish?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Purple firefish?

Given its fearful nature, do not associate it with fish that are too big or too aggressive. Ideally, you will choose small, calm fish.

Breeding

How to breed the Purple firefish?

Breeding

How to breed the Purple firefish?

Aquarium breeding is not a great success. Laying eggs is possible, but rearing the fry is extremely difficult.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Purple firefish?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Purple firefish?

If you choose to keep your fish alone in a community aquarium, install an aquarium of at least 200 litres. For maintenance from two individuals, 300 litres / 66 Imp Gal / 79 US Gal will be necessary.

The Fire Goby likes to live in a reef aquarium. It is important for the well-being of this shy fish to provide many small hiding places. You should also provide a large area of open sand that is reminiscent of its natural habitat.

On the brewing side, the species likes to swim against the current and catches its food this way. Make sure that the water is well mixed.

Finally, you must cover your tank or leave at least 15 cm or 6" between the surface and the top of the aquarium, as this goby is an excellent jumper.

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

He does not stray far from his refuge (cave or cavern) for his daily activities. At the slightest fright or alert, it will disappear very quickly into its hiding place!

In captivity, its average life expectancy is 3 years, while in good conditions, it can sometimes live up to 10 years.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Yours photos!

Comments

Sort by:

Please login to post comments

back to the top