Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: Yes
General Description: The Purple Pseudochromis, also referred to as the Strawberry Dottyback, Magenta Dottyback, or Purple Dottyback, is native to the Indo-Pacific. A hardy, inexpensive and colorful fish, it is often mistaken for the closely-related Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) which has a black line through the eye and all purple fins. Though their adult size is small at approximately 3″, do no underestimate them, as the Purple pseudochromis can be quite territorial. Only one Purple pseudochromis should be kept per aquarium, and they will quarrel with fish that have a similar body shape. Fish in the genus Pseudochromis may be more sensitive to copper-based medications.
Diet Requirements: 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. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding will also create more of a natural environment for the Purple pseudochromis as it would feed in the wild. Pseudochromis may accept high quality flake and pellet foods.
Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Purple pseudochromis. They enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge through or beneath during the day. Despite their small adult size, Purple pseudochromis are best suited for a more semi-aggressive to aggressive aquarium so long as they cannot be eaten by their tank mates. Some compatible options include triggerfish, tangs, larger angelfish, squirrelfish, hawkfish and damsels. Purple pseudochromis are reef safe and will not harm any coral or invertebrate. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 3″; X-Large: 3″+
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.