Purple firefish reef compatibility check
Nemateleotris decora
Purple firefish (Nemateleotris decora) is a beginner-level dartfish that needs at least 20 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; known jumper; use a tight lid. Temperament is peaceful and adults reach about 3 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as early-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Peaceful, beautiful, and excellent for covered beginner tanks.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 20+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Beginners following a slow, planned stocking order.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 20 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Known jumper; use a tight lid.
Compatibility warnings
- Known jumper; use a tight lid.
- Can be bullied by assertive tankmates.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 20 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 20 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- open water near bolt holes
- Diet
- Small meaty foods, planktonic foods, and pellets.
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 0.8
- Stocking stage
- Early
Related species
- Black ocellaris clownfish
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Ocellaris clownfish
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Ocellaris clownfish pair
Same 20-gallon floor.
- Percula clownfish
Same 20-gallon floor.
Equipment that fits
- Innovative Marine 20 NUVO Fusion PRO 2 AIO Aquarium with APS Pedestal
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine NUVO Fusion 20 Gallon AIO Long Aquarium
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
- Red Sea MAX NANO G2 Cube Reef System (20 Gal)
20-gallon display, above this animal's 20-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the purple firefish need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 20 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the purple firefish reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Known jumper; use a tight lid; Can be bullied by assertive tankmates.
Is the purple firefish good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner care.
When should I add the purple firefish to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as early-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.