Purple Dottyback...Pseudochromis

[callen]

Scientific Name Pseudochromis fridmani
 
Common Names Orchid, Purple, Magenta and Strawberry Dottyback

Care Level Easy to moderate

Life span 5 - 7 years, possibly longer

Size Up to 3 inches (8 cm)

Specific Gravity 1.023 - 1.025

pH 8.1 - 8.4
 
Temperature 74°F - 82°F (22°C - 28°C)
 
Carbonate Hardness (dKH) 8 - 12°
 
Origin / Habitat tank raised is becoming more common. Western Pacific

Temperament / Behavior Can be aggressive when defending his territory and should only keep one to a tank. 

Breeding / Mating / Reproduction Breeding has been successful in large marine systems

Tank Size 30 gal. minimum

Compatible Tank Mates Avoid keeping them in an marine tank with predatory fish large enough to eat them. Also avoid Grammas, gobies (Fire, Nemateleotris), Wrasses,  Anthias, and more.  They are feisty little fish.

Diet / Fish Carnivore... but try to give them a variety of foods. They eat flake foods, frozen meaty,  small crustaceans, worms, zooplankton and live foods.

Tank Region Middle to bottom

Gender Difficult to determine

General Information An awesome fish that would add color and movement to the proper marine system.  They are feisty buggers and will chase fish larger then they are but that's really about it, just deffending their territory.  They are not a shy fish but do need caves and a hiding spots.  They are expensive but if your pocket can afford one...well worth it.

Written By Callen
Picture By Rob Allen