Care
The beautiful Purple Firefish is known from rubble patches at the bases of reefs at depths between 25 and 70 metres. They have also been observed at the outer reef drop off zones where currents are particularly vigorous. Usually found in pairs, Purple Firefish will hover together, feeding on zooplankton in the water column. This species is an ideal candidate for the reef aquarium; it is hardy, colourful, relatively peaceful, and readily acclimatises to aquarium life. The tank should be mature and aquascaped with plenty of live rock so that there are numerous nooks and crannies for your firefish to dart into if startled. There should be areas of brisk water movement and a high level of oxygenation these fish can often be seen hovering in the water column, facing the strong current whilst waiting for microscopic food morsels to drift past. They will never stray too far from cover though. The Purple Firefish is considered one of the more pugnacious of the firefishes, and although it will rarely become aggressive towards other fish species (except close relatives), it is very territorial, and will fight with its own kind unless they are a mated pair. For this reason it is best to either keep a single specimen (particularly in smaller, "nano" aquaria) or acquire a known mated pair. These fish cannot be sexed externally and simply putting two specimens together and hoping for the best is unlikely to work. Tankmates should be of a peaceful nature in order that the firefish do not feel intimidated at feeding times. Observe very carefully, as firefish are easily bullied. Do ensure that the tank has tightly fitting coverslides and no escape holes, as these fish are expert jumpers. Take care when acclimatising too, as they will jump from the shipping bag if it is not covered.
Feeding
Offer a variety of small meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, plankton, finely shaved krill/mussel/cockle/clam etc. Feed small amounts several times per day. A fishless refugium for producing an ongoing supply of plankton would be extremely beneficial in keeping these fish well-nourished.
Breeding
This species has not been successfully raised in captivity, although a handful of aquarists claim to have seen eggs. In the wild, firefish are monogamous and deposit their eggs in burrows. These are then thought to be guarded by the parents until hatching; the larvae are pelagic.
