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 a safe place to rest and hide from sudden movements.
| Species | Nemateleotris decora |
|---|---|
| Colour | White to yellow body, deep purple and maroon-tipped fins |
| Behaviour | Peaceful, hovers above rockwork, jumps occasionally |
| Tank Requirements | Minimum 20 gallons, plenty of rockwork and hiding spots |
FAQ
Is the Decorated Firefish suitable for a community reef tank?
Yes, the Decorated Firefish is a peaceful species and works well in community reef tanks when provided with ample hiding spots and proper tank conditions.
Does the Decorated Firefish jump frequently?
Yes, it is known to be a jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent injury or escape.
What kind of environment does it prefer?
It prefers tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding spots to feel secure and exhibit natural behaviour.
Max Blake –
The Decorated Firefish adds a lot of visual interest to my tank. Its vibrant purple and yellow colouring stands out under the LED lights. It’s calm most of the time, just hovering near the rocks, and only jumps when startled. I love how it brings life and movement without being aggressive. A must-have for any reef enthusiast.
Wendy Ross –
I bought this fish for my 30-gallon tank, and it has been thriving. It’s very active but not aggressive. The maroon-tipped fins are stunning in the right lighting. I made sure to install a secure lid because it does jump occasionally. Overall, a great addition to a community tank.
Karen Mathis –
This fish is exactly what I wanted—a colorful, non-aggressive fish that brings energy to the tank. It’s peaceful and stays near the rockwork, only darting when it senses movement. The lighting really brings out its purple and yellow tones. I’m very happy with the purchase.