The Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) is a vibrant dartfish characterized by its slender, elongated body, often white or yellow, that transitions to a darker shade towards the tail. Its most striking feature is its purple head and face, which contrasts with the reddish-orange or maroon hues on its fins, often edged with black. It's a relatively small fish, reaching about 3.5 to 4 inches in length, and is known for its peaceful temperament and reef compatibility.
Key characteristics:
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Appearance: White or yellow body, purple head, reddish-orange or maroon fins with black edging.
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Size: Reaches a maximum length of 9 cm (3.5 inches).
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Habitat: Found in tropical Indo-West Pacific waters, from Mauritius to Samoa.
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Temperament: Peaceful and reef compatible.
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Diet: Feeds on zooplankton, especially copepods and crustacean larvae.
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Behavior: Often found in pairs, hovering in the water column, and darting into holes when alarmed.
