Purple Dottyback (Pseudochromis Porphyreus)

Species Name : Pseudochromis Porphyreus

Care Level : Easy

Temperament : Semi-aggressive

Color : Purple

Diet : Carnivore

Reef Compatible : Yes

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 3"

Origin : Fiji, Indonesia, New Caledonia

Family : Pseudochromidae

Minimum Tank Size : 30 gallons

The Purple Dottyback (Pseudochromis Porphyreus), also known as the Purple Pseudochromis, Strawberry Gramma, and Magenta Dottyback, is named for its vibrant purple body color. 

Purple Dottyback is a small, slender fish, reaching only about 3 inches in total length. As its common name suggests, it’s a gorgeous magenta in overall color, though it may appear more bluish in natural sunlight or under certain artificial lighting schemes.

A 30 gallon or larger aquarium should be provided. This fish requires plenty of hiding places in live rock, this is where it feels most secure. The tank should be mature and have stable water quality. The lid on your tank should be tightly sealed to prevent escape via jumping. They will thrive best in tanks with plenty of live rock providing hiding places and is a wonderful community fish. 

It may become aggressive towards other Pseudochromis or fish with similar body shapes. It is among the hardiest pseudochromis species, easy to care for, and generally mixes well with other semi-aggressive fishes (should not be kept with other Basslets or Dottybacks). If multiple Purple Dottybacks are desired, be sure to introduce them all at the same time to help curb territorial behavior. Purple Pseudochromis are reef safe and will not harm any coral or invertebrate.

These fish can change sex from female to male, but not the other way nor back again.

In the wild pseudochromis are primarily carnivorous. A diet largely consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Feed once or twice a day.