Purple Tilefish

The Purple Tilefish (Hoplolatilus purpureus) is a peaceful species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking deep purple coloration with iridescent highlights, elegant elongated body, and distinctive darting swimming behavior. Males typically display more vibrant purple hues and slightly larger size, often becoming territorial during breeding, while females/juveniles are smaller and have a paler coloration with less pronounced markings.

They reach about 6–7 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 55 gallons. Provide a deep sandbed for burrowing, plenty of live rock for hiding, and ample open swimming space. Maintain stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temperature ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4), and ensure a secure lid, as tilefish are known for being excellent jumpers.

Diet should consist of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, and high-quality sinking pellets. With proper care, the Purple Tilefish makes a standout and graceful addition to marine aquariums.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.