Nemateleotris exquisita

Quick Stats

Care Level: Easy Temperament: Peaceful Color Form: Purple, Red, White, Yellow Diet: Carnivore Reef Compatible: Yes Water Conditions: 72-78 F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025 Max. Size: 3″ Origin: Maldives Family: Gobiidae Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

Overview

The Exquisite Firefish, is the Western Indian Ocean relative of the more common and similar looking Purple Firefish (Nemateleotris decora) but is brighter yellow than the Western Pacific Purple Firefish. The Exquisite Firefish is also known to inhabit deeper water and grow slightly larger than the Western Pacific Purple Firefish. Other distinguishing characteristics of the Exquisite Firefish include being a bit more slender, having a shorter face and first dorsal fin.

It requires a 20 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of loose coral rubble as part of the aquascape, and a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from jumping out of the tank. It will rarely become aggressive towards other fish, but is territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair.

The Exquisite Firefish will feed mostly on prey suspended in the water column, but will pick food off the substrate. Its varied diet should consist of enriched mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped or shaved seafood, and frozen food preparations for carnivores. The vibrant coloring may fade under intense illumination and if the diet is not fortified with vitamin supplements.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″