Purple Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

The Purple Dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus) often called the Magenta Dottyback, or Purple Pseudochromis is a beautiful purple/magenta fish that can be kept in a saltwater aquarium. This vibrant fish will often be seen floating very close to its home. It will spend a lot of time making sure its territory is secure. Although it stays relatively small, the Purple Pseudochromis will fight tooth and nail for its territory. This article will discuss aggression levels, aquarium requirements, diet, and tank mates of the Purple Dottyback.

Aquarium Requirements

The Purple Dottyback will grow to be about 3 inches in length. They will do best in saltwater fish tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. The aquarium should also be full of live rock with different-sized caves and crevices to provide cover for this fish. They will claim a space around live rock that they will call their territory. Purple Dottybacks will often hover near and around their territory to make sure there is no competition entering their space.

Like many saltwater fish, the Magenta Dottyback could jump out of the fish tank. It is important to provide a well-fitted lid to help alleviate the potential of your fish jumping out.

Is the Purple Dottyback Reef Safe?

The Purple Dottyback is reef-safe. It is not a danger to any coral. However, small shrimp such as Sexy Shrimp may be not safe with this fish. Other small shrimp may become a snack for the Purple Dottyback.

Is the Purple Dottyback Aggressive?

Purple Dottybacks are considered semi-aggressive. They usually keep to themselves until they have to protect their territory. I would consider introducing this fish species a little later so your more peaceful fish can establish their territories first. Although it’s not guaranteed, doing this should help alleviate some aggression.

Water Parameters

Keeping water parameters in check is important for fish, crustaceans, coral, etc. The following are the water parameters needed to keep your Purple Dottyback comfortable in the aquarium. This species will tolerate water temperatures between 72° and 78°F. The range many aquarists claim to get the best results with most saltwater fish is between 76° and 78°F.

The dKH levels in your aquarium should be anywhere between 8 and 12. While the pH should be between 8.1 and 8.4. Your salinity levels should fall anywhere between 1.020 and 1.025 sg. You’ll likely keep it on the higher end if your aquarium has corals. There are many tools to test the salinity levels of your aquarium water. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tank to learn more.

Food & Diet

This species of fish requires a very meaty diet because they are carnivorous. You should provide them with a protein-heavy diet of Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and krill when they are fully grown. The Purple Dottyback will also benefit from given protein-rich pellet food and flake food. You may also see this fish consume copepods that live in and around live rock. The important thing to remember is that most fish will benefit from a variety of foods. Different foods have varying amounts of nutrients so changing it up is fantastic for your fish.

Tank Mates

The Purple Pseudochromis should do well with most other fish that won’t readily try to eat it. This species of fish should do well with Clownfish, Damsels, Wrasses, Dwarf Angels, Chromis, and even larger fish such as tangs, foxfaces, and rabbitfish.

If possible I would avoid keeping them with large and predatory fish such as Groupers, Lionfish, Eels, and pretty much anything that may mistake the Purple Dottyback for food. Lastly, aggression levels will likely increase if more than one dottyback is kept in a fish tank. I would avoid keeping this fish with other dottybacks such as the Purple Striped Dottyback, Splendid Dottyback, and many others.

Breeding

Because of their territorial and semi-aggressive temperament, breeding Purple Dottybacks in an aquarium setting will be impossible.

Final Notes

The Purple Dottyback is a great fish to keep in a saltwater fish tank or reef tank. As stated above, they are perfectly safe with coral, and many fish will understand to avoid their territory once they are settled in. In an appropriately sized aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and rockwork, the Purple Pseudochromis should thrive! If you’re curious about other dottyback species, check out the Dottyback information page by following the link.

Image by Rickard Zerpe on wikiMedia