Purple Tile Goby

Purple Tile Goby: The Vivid Deepwater Glider

The Purple Tile Goby (Hoplolatilus purpureus) is one of the most stunningly colored fish available to the marine hobbyist. Despite its common name, it is important to note that it is technically a Tilefish from the family Malacanthidae, not a true Goby (family Gobiidae), although it shares the elongated body shape and burrowing behavior. It is also known as the Purple Tilefish, Purple Sand Tilefish, or Deepwater Tilefish.

This fish is celebrated for its intense, solid lilac-purple to violet body color, often highlighted by a touch of red or crimson on the tail lobes. It is a sleek, fast swimmer that spends much of its time hovering gracefully in the water column a few inches above the substrate, giving it the appearance of "gliding."

Native to the deeper rubble and sand slopes of the Indo-Pacific, the Purple Tile Goby is a relatively delicate species, making it best suited for intermediate to expert aquarists. It reaches a maximum size of about 5 to 6 inches (13-15 cm) and requires a minimum tank size of 50 gallons to provide ample swimming room and a deep substrate for shelter. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential, as Tilefish are renowned for being excellent jumpers, especially when startled.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Purple Tile Goby is a Carnivore that feeds primarily on zooplankton in the wild. It is accustomed to capturing food from the water column, so it will rarely feed from the bottom. It requires multiple small feedings per day (2-3 times) of high-quality, enriched frozen meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, cyclops, and finely chopped marine seafood. It can be challenging to acclimate and may require live foods initially (like enriched copepods or black worms) to entice a feeding response.
• Acclimation: This species is highly sensitive to stress, particularly during shipping and initial introduction. It benefits from a dimly lit tank and the presence of dither fish (other small, peaceful, and active fish) to help it feel secure and encourage it to swim in the open.
• Burrowing: Tilefish will excavate a burrow in the sand or under rockwork, which they use as a retreat. The substrate should be a mix of sand and rubble to allow for proper construction. Ensure all rockwork is placed securely on the aquarium glass before adding the substrate to prevent collapses.
• Reef Compatibility: It is considered Reef Safe and will not bother corals. Caution is advised with very small ornamental shrimp or tiny invertebrates, but for the most part, it is a non-destructive community fish.
• Temperament: The Purple Tile Goby is Peaceful but Timid. It should only be kept with other peaceful tankmates such as small wrasses, anthias, firefish, and cardinalfish. It will become stressed and hide if housed with aggressive or boisterous fish. It is best kept singly or as a confirmed pair in larger systems.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Hoplolatilus purpureus
• Primary Common Name: Purple Tile Goby
• Other Common Names: Purple Tilefish, Purple Sand Tilefish, Deepwater Tilefish
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 5-6 inches (13-15 cm)
• Temperament: Peaceful / Timid (Excellent Jumper)
• Diet: Carnivore (Requires multiple feedings of suspended meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 50+ Gallons (Requires deep, stable substrate)
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Generally safe with corals and large inverts)