Decorated Firefish Nemateleotris decora from Indonesia with lavender-purple body, violet head and elongated red-orange dorsal fin
Native range map of Decorated Firefish (Nemateleotris decora), highlighting its Indo-Pacific distribution from Mauritius across Southeast Asia and the western Pacific to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands, and south to New Caledonia.
Decorated Firefish – Nemateleotris decora
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SKU: WC OC0205

Decorated Firefish – Nemateleotris decora

$69.99
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Size: 2.5 inches
The Decorated Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) is a peaceful Indo-Pacific reef fish with striking lavender, purple and red-orange coloration. Reaching approximately 3.5 inches, this reef-compatible planktivore does best with secure rockwork and a tightly covered aquarium.
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Description and Care

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 10/2 - Release Date: 10/23
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Decorated Firefish (Nemateleotris decora), also known as the Purple Firefish or Elegant Firefish, is a small, brilliantly colored reef fish native to the tropical Indo-Pacific. Its elongated body transitions from pale lavender and pink toward deeper purple posteriorly, while vivid red-orange fins and contrasting violet coloration around the head give this species its distinctive appearance.

N. decora has a broad Indo-Pacific distribution extending from Mauritius eastward to Samoa, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to New Caledonia. Indonesia lies well within this range, with documented populations from Papua westward to Sumatra. FishBase

In nature, Decorated Firefish are associated primarily with deeper outer reef slopes and drop-offs, often in areas exposed to moderate or strong currents. They occur over open hard-bottom habitats as well as sand and rubble areas near the base of reefs. FishBase currently records a depth range of approximately 25–100 meters (82–328 feet), with the species usually encountered between 25 and 70 meters. FishBase

These fish typically remain near shelter and quickly retreat into a hole or reef crevice when threatened. Adults are frequently encountered in pairs, and monogamous pairing has been documented for the species. FishBase

The natural diet consists primarily of zooplankton, particularly copepods and crustacean larvae. FishBase records a maximum total length of 9 cm, approximately 3.5 inches. FishBase

This Indonesian specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Nemateleotris decora Randall & Allen, 1973
Common Name: Decorated Firefish
Other Common Names: Purple Firefish, Elegant Firefish
Family: Microdesmidae, subfamily Ptereleotrinae
Origin: Indonesia
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Reef Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 3.5 inches / 9 cm total length FishBase
Diet: Planktivore / carnivore
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide substantial rockwork with caves, crevices and other secure retreats. This is particularly important because N. decora naturally remains close to shelter and rapidly retreats into holes when alarmed. FishBase

Secure Cover: A tight-fitting aquarium lid or screen is essential. Firefish are capable jumpers, particularly when startled or newly introduced.

Diet and Feeding: Offer appropriately sized foods such as copepods, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped mysis and high-quality prepared foods for small carnivorous/planktivorous marine fishes. The natural diet is documented as zooplankton, particularly copepods and crustacean larvae. FishBase

Temperament: Peaceful and generally appropriate for a community reef aquarium. Because adults naturally occur in pairs, a confirmed compatible pair can be maintained together. I would be more cautious about placing unrelated individuals together in confined aquarium conditions.

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible. Its natural feeding ecology centers on zooplankton rather than corals or other sessile reef organisms.

Natural Habitat: Outer coastal and reef drop-offs over hard substrate, sand and rubble, generally at 25–100 meters, although most records are from 25–70 meters. FishBase

Natural Social Behavior: Adults are often encountered in pairs, and monogamous mating behavior has been documented.

The Pacific East Conditioning System

Every fish undergoes observation, conditioning
and proactive treatment before release

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New arrivals are acclimated,
and inspected

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We proactively treat fish during conditioning rather than simply holding them

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Fish are closely monitored for feeding response, behavior and overall health.

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Fish are transitioned onto prepared foods and conditioned for aquarium life.

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Arrival and release dates help verify proper holding and conditioning time

"A properly conditioned fish adapts better, feeds more consistently, and has a stronger transition into aquarium life" - Dr. Mac

Every Fish is Evaluated to Ensure it Meets Our Health and Quality Standards

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Common Marine External Parasitical Diseases

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Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

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Marine Velvet

A parasitic dinoflagellate that infects marine fish and
can progress rapidly if not treated early.

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Brooklynella

A ciliated protozoan that infects the gills andskin of marine fish

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Flukes

Parasitic flatworms that affect gills and skin

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Show image
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Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Show image
saltwater-fish-disease-ich-pea-6

Marine Ich

A common and highly contagious parasitic disease that
 affects marine fish in both wild and captive environments

Show image
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Order FAQs  

About Our Facility

Q: Are your corals aquacultured?
A: Yes. Many of our corals are grown in our Maryland Certified & Licensed Coral Aquaculture Facility.

Q: Why choose aquacultured corals?
A: Aquacultured corals are:
- More sustainable
- Better adapted to aquarium life
- Typically hardier than wild specimens

Q: Who selects and grows your corals?
A: Our corals are grown and curated by Dr. Mac a Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist with decades of hands-on reef experience.

Ordering & Shipping

Q: What does WYSIWYG mean?
A: “What You See Is What You Get.” The exact coral shown in the photo is the one you will receive.

Q: Can I request a specific color or variation?
A: For WYSIWYG items, what’s pictured is what you get. For non-WYSIWYG items, we do our best to match color and size, but natural variation occurs.

Q: Can I combine multiple orders to save on shipping?
A: Yes—contact us before shipping and we’ll consolidate when possible.

Q: How are corals and fish shipped safely?
A: We use insulated boxes, temperature control (heat/cold packs), and overnight delivery to ensure safe arrival.

Q: What days do you ship?
A: Typically Monday–Wednesday to avoid weekend delays.

Q: Do I need to be home for delivery?
A: Yes—someone should be available to receive livestock immediately.

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Live Arrival Guarantee

Q: What if my coral or fish arrives dead (DOA)?
A: Contact us within a specified timeframe (e.g., 2 hours) with clear photos, and we will resolve it quickly.

Q: What voids the guarantee?
A: Missed deliveries, improper acclimation, or delays beyond our control.

Acclimation & First 24 Hours

Q: How do I acclimate new livestock?
A: Float to match temperature, then drip acclimate before placing in tank.

Q: Should I dip corals before adding them?
A: Yes but be careful, coral dips help prevent pests but use caution. Certain corals might benefit from a short quarantine period instead of a dip so as to further stressing them.

Q: Why does my coral look closed or stressed?
A: This is normal after shipping—most corals open within 24–72 hours.

Aquarium Setup & Compatibility

Q: Where should I place my coral in the tank?
A: Placement depends on the coral type (LPS, SPS, soft). Lighting and flow requirements vary—check each product description.

Q: Can different corals touch each other?
A: Many corals have sweeper tentacles and can sting neighbors. Always allow space.

Q: How fast will my coral grow?
A: Growth depends on species, lighting, water quality, and feeding.

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