Purple Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris decora) – Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Temperament: Peaceful
• Diet: Carnivore
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
• Max Size: 3 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide: Purple Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris decora)

Habitat

The Purple Firefish Goby, the Decorated Firefish, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. It can be found in coral reefs and rocky areas, often hiding among crevices and rubble.

Reef Safe

The Purple Firefish Goby is considered reef-safe. It will not harm corals or other invertebrates in the aquarium.

Size

The Purple Firefish Goby can grow up to 3 inches long.

Temperament

This species is generally peaceful and can be kept with other non-aggressive fish.

Sexual Dimorphism

There are no noticeable differences in appearance between males and females.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Purple Firefish Goby is around 3-5 years with proper care.

Diet in Aquariums

In the aquarium, the Purple Firefish Goby should be fed a varied diet consisting of high-quality frozen and live foods. It is a carnivorous species that readily accepts small meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Aquascaping Recommendations

Provide plenty of hiding places and rockwork with crevices for the Purple Firefish Goby to explore and establish its territory. This will help mimic its natural habitat and make it feel secure in the aquarium.

Captive Bred Availability

The Purple Firefish Goby is occasionally available as captive-bred specimens. Captive-bred fish are generally hardier and more adaptable to aquarium conditions compared to wild-caught individuals.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

The Purple Firefish Goby is compatible with other peaceful fish, invertebrates, and corals. However, caution should be exercised when selecting tankmates to ensure they are not aggressive or territorial. Some suitable tankmates for the Purple Firefish Goby include:

1. Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) – Peaceful and adds vibrant colors to the aquarium.
2. Banggai Cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) – Peaceful and has striking black and white patterns.
3. Yellow Watchman Goby (Cryptocentrus cinctus) – Peaceful and helps with sand sifting.
4. Fire Shrimp (Lysmata debelius) – Peaceful and adds a unique cleaning symbiotic relationship.
5. Green Star Polyp Coral (Pachyclavularia spp.) – Non-aggressive coral that can provide additional hiding spots.

Other Common Names

The Purple Firefish Goby is also known as the Decorated Firefish, Purple Dartfish, or Purple Fire Goby.

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Popular Questions and Answers about the Purple Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris decora)

Q: What is the ideal tank size for the Purple Firefish Goby?

A: The Purple Firefish Goby requires a minimum tank size of 20 gallons to provide enough swimming space and suitable habitat.

Q: Can the Purple Firefish Goby jump out of the aquarium?

A: The Purple Firefish Goby has been known to jump out of open aquariums. It is recommended to have a tight-fitting lid or mesh screen to prevent escapes.

Q: Can the Purple Firefish Goby be kept in a reef tank?

A: Yes, the Purple Firefish Goby is considered reef-safe and can be kept in a reef tank without harming corals or other invertebrates.

Q: Does the Purple Firefish Goby require a sand substrate?

A: While the Purple Firefish Goby can tolerate a bare-bottom tank, it prefers a sand substrate as it likes to sift through the sand and create burrows.

Q: Can the Purple Firefish Goby be kept in pairs?

A: Keeping multipleonlyrple Firefish Gobies in the same tank is generally not recommended unlifey are a mated pair. They may exhibit territorial behavior towards each other.