Nemateleotris decora, commonly known as the elegant firefish or purple firefish, is a species of dartfish native to tropical waters in the Indo-West Pacific. Its habitat ranges from Mauritius to Samoa, extending north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia. These colorful fish inhabit depths ranging between 25 and 70 meters (82 and 230 feet). They are typically found over hard, open bottoms of reefs, sandy patches, and rubble, as well as deeper coastal outer reef drop-offs with strong currents.
Here are some key characteristics of the elegant firefish:
- Appearance: Slender and colorful, the elegant firefish has a purple head and a whitish or yellowish body that gradually darkens to deep gray toward the tail. Its fins display longitudinal bands of purple, red, black, and orange.
- Size: The maximum length of an elegant firefish is approximately 9 centimeters (3 inches).
- Behavior: These fish are often found in pairs and exhibit monogamous behavior. They feed on zooplankton, especially the larvae of copepods and crustaceans. When alarmed, they quickly dart into holes for safety.
- Aquarium Care: Elegant firefish are popular in reef aquariums and are resistant to diseases. They are relatively docile and can coexist with tankmates in suitably sized aquariums. However, they are prolific leapers, so a secure aquarium hood is essential to prevent them from escaping. Providing rockwork for hiding is also recommended.
