The Purple Tilefish has an attractive solid lilac-purple body color with darker crimson-red markings highlighting a v-shape on the tail.

It requires a 50 gallon or larger aquarium with plenty of swimming room, and at least 3 inches of mixed substrate for burrowing. It may be aggressive towards members of its own species but is peaceful with other fish.

The Purple Tilefish has been known to spawn successfully while in an aquarium.

The diet should include a variety of marine fish, crustacean flesh, and mysid shrimp, and it should be fed at least twice per day.