Purple Tilefish
A slender, elegant tilefish in soft lavender-purple, hovering in open water above the sand. Peaceful and among the most committed jumpers in the marine hobby.
Feeding
Planktivore. Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and fine marine pellets, three or more times daily.
Compatibility
Reef safe and peaceful. Best as a pair. Cannot be kept with aggressive tankmates.
Behaviour and personality
Hovers above the sand bed in open water, retreating into a rubble burrow when startled.
Before you buy
| Important Notes |
|---|
| The jumping is the critical issue – tilefish routinely kill themselves against the lid or leap through the smallest gap in the first days. The tank must be completely sealed. They also need frequent feeding and plenty of rubble to burrow into. |
FAQ
What should I feed my Purple Tilefish?
Feed frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and fine marine pellets three or more times daily.
Can Purple Tilefish be kept with other fish in a reef tank?
Yes, they are reef safe and peaceful. However, they should not be kept with aggressive tankmates. Best kept in pairs.
How does the Purple Tilefish behave in the tank?
It hovers above the sand bed in open water and retreats into a rubble burrow when startled.
Victor Hudson –
The purple tilefish is beautiful and adds a calm presence to the tank. I feed it three times a day with mysis and brine shrimp. It stays near the surface and hides in rubble when startled. The tank lid must be sealed tightly or it will jump out. After a week, it’s fully adjusted and active.
Gavin Bond –
A stunning fish with a gentle demeanor. I kept it with another tilefish and they get along well. Feeding is essential—skip it and it will lose interest. The burrowing behavior is fascinating. Make sure the tank has plenty of rubble and is completely sealed.
Pippa Dyer –
Very peaceful and visually striking. I noticed it jumps early on, so I sealed the tank completely. Now it’s a regular sight hovering above the sand. Needs consistent feeding, but once adjusted, it’s a joy to watch.