Purple Dottyback
Pictichromis porphyreus
(0 Reviews)
Purple Dottyback
Pictichromis porphyreus
(0 Reviews)
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Care Facts
| Care Level: | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament: | Semi-Aggressive |
| Diet: | Carnivore |
| Origin: | Indo-Pacific Ocean |
| Acclimation Time: | 2+ hours |
| Reef Safe: | Yes |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 30 gallons |
| Max Size: | 3 inches |
Purple Pseudochromis (Pictichromis porphyrea): Vibrant Cave-Dwelling Reef Fish
The Purple Pseudochromis displays stunning pink-purple coloration that intensifies with proper nutrition and lighting. These hardy cave-dwelling fish make excellent additions to reef aquariums when their territorial requirements are accommodated through proper aquascaping and species selection.
Habitat and Natural Behavior:
Native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, Purple Pseudochromis are specialized cave and crevice dwellers that establish defined territories around preferred rock formations. In captivity, they require complex rockwork with multiple cave systems to express natural behaviors.
Size, Lifespan, and Characteristics:
- Adult Size: 3 inches maximum
- Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper care
- Sexual Dimorphism: Males display more intense coloration and slightly larger size
- Behavior: Active cave-dwelling with territorial tendencies that develop after acclimation
Territorial Behavior and Tank Planning:
Purple Pseudochromis exhibit peaceful behavior initially but establish territories 2-4 weeks after introduction. Success requires understanding their cave-dwelling nature and providing appropriate rockwork structure.
Territory Requirements:
- Multiple cave systems with single entrances
- Complex rockwork creating territorial boundaries
- Sight-line breaks to prevent constant visual contact
- 12-18 inch territory zones around chosen caves
Tank Requirements:
- Minimum Size: 30 gallons for single specimen
- Preferred Size: 50+ gallons for better territorial management
- Aquascaping: Essential complex rockwork with multiple caves
- Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.024-1.026, Temperature 76-80°F
- Lighting: Tolerates all reef lighting levels, prefers moderate areas
Diet and Feeding:
Carnivorous species requiring protein-rich foods:
- High-quality marine pellets (primary diet)
- Frozen mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp
- Marine copepods and small crustaceans
- Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions
Reef Compatibility:
Completely reef-safe with no interest in corals or beneficial invertebrates. Their carnivorous diet and cave-dwelling behavior make them excellent choices for reef systems.
Compatible Tank Mates:
Best Choices: Mid-water swimmers, sand-dwelling species, and fish that utilize different territory types:
- Chromis species (single specimens)
- Cardinalfish utilizing open water areas
- Sand-sifting gobies
- Peaceful wrasses
- Large peaceful fish in 75+ gallon systems
Species to Avoid:
- Royal Gramma (territorial competition)
- Other dottyback species
- Small peaceful fish under 2 inches
- Other cave-dwelling basslets
Aquaculture Availability:
Successfully bred in captivity but primarily available as wild-caught specimens. Wild specimens are hardy and adapt well when provided with appropriate cave territories.
Important Note: Purple Pseudochromis may appear peaceful initially but develop territorial behavior as they mature and establish cave territories. Tank planning should accommodate this natural progression.
Ideal for: Reef aquarists with experience in territorial species management seeking a hardy, colorful cave-dwelling centerpiece fish for appropriately designed systems.
Beautiful fish. Doing very well.
Reviewed by: Frank Johns on June 30, 2025
Very shy but active
Reviewed by: Bobbi Link on Dec. 15, 2024
Reviewed by: Roderick Seurattan on Nov. 19, 2024
So vibrant and beautiful !!
Reviewed by: Michael Mallard on Sept. 2, 2024
Reviewed by: Kayla Jesse on Aug. 29, 2024
Reviewed by: Jeffrey Bagley on Aug. 5, 2024
Ok
Reviewed by: David Grass on Aug. 5, 2024
Great specimen, instantly found its cave.
Reviewed by: Andrew Hayes on Aug. 4, 2024
Reviewed by: Paige Hutchinson on July 15, 2024
Reviewed by: Paige Hutchinson on July 3, 2024
Very healthy very colorful.
Reviewed by: Eric Brugman on May 8, 2024
Very nice and healthy
Reviewed by: Richard Kenney on May 6, 2024
Reviewed by: Scott Ross on April 19, 2024
O Amazing fish, brilliant coloring, curious and active as soon as he got into the quarantine tank has already learned to recognize me when it’s feeding time
Reviewed by: James Mauro on April 14, 2024
Reviewed by: Beau Delaporte on April 11, 2024
Gorgeous actually got what I wanted. 1 3inch 1inch and a half. One lives on it's side of the tank one on the other. Very beautiful healthy fish.
Reviewed by: Michael Pimental on April 3, 2024
Very bright, larger fish sent. Looks great.
Reviewed by: Shaun Huddleston on March 20, 2024
Very vibrant and colorful
Reviewed by: Shaun Huddleston on Feb. 15, 2024
Reviewed by: Edward A Wilburn on Jan. 12, 2024
Reviewed by: Erin Holmes on Dec. 17, 2023
Relly great. I put the 4 smaller in my 95 gallon tank. Haven't seen them since. put the 2 largen in m 65 gal tank saw both for a while yesterday just saw one.
Reviewed by: Gary Stennett on Dec. 14, 2023
Both I ordered seemed healthy and beautiful colors. Make sure if you have more than one to acclimate them separately or put in a divider or they might fight like mine did.
Reviewed by: Denise Nelson on Dec. 3, 2023
Reviewed by: Robert Pilny on Oct. 31, 2023
