Purple Pseudochromis
Pictichromis porphyreus
Original price was: $37.99.$19.99Current price is: $19.99.
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Stock | 1.25 - 2.25" - Indo-Pacific | Original price was: $37.99.$19.99Current price is: $19.99. |
-
+
|
Every order ships with our standard 3-hour live arrival guarantee. Need more time? Add our 5-Day Guarantee at checkout.
Full guarantee terms →Ships Monday – Thursday for next-day arrival at your nearest FedEx Hold location — typically ready by 9 AM. We monitor every delivery.
Shipping details →
Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Purple Pseudochromis (also called the Magenta or Strawberry Dottyback) is a compact reef fish with a solid purple-to-magenta body and bright, alert eyes. In a reef tank it spends most of its time close to rockwork, moving quickly between ledges and crevices.
What You’ll Observe:
- Picks a favorite cave and regularly patrols the surrounding rockwork
- Quick, darting “out and back” swimming between hiding spots throughout the day
- Meets food at the front glass and snaps up small, meaty items with speed
- Uses tight gaps and overhangs as resting spots, especially after the lights dim
To succeed with this species, provide a rockscape with multiple caves and broken sight lines so it can settle into a home base. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) consistently, and keep feeding areas easy to access with your aquascape.
Why did my Purple Pseudochromis fade or shift from deep purple to pink?
Many hobbyists report noticeable color shifting depending on lighting, diet variety, and daily mood; it often looks different in the morning versus later in the day.
Can I keep two Purple Pseudochromis together?
Some aquarists keep a bonded pair, but most success stories involve introducing them together and giving the tank plenty of separate retreat spots so each fish can claim space.
Will it bother ornamental shrimp?
Keepers commonly report shrimp risk is highest for smaller “snack-sized” shrimp; larger, established shrimp may be left alone depending on the individual fish and feeding routine.
Do Purple Pseudochromis jump?
They can bolt when startled, especially during new-tank adjustment, so many reefers use a tight-fitting lid or screen top.
If I ever need to catch one, what usually works?
A fish trap baited with food near its preferred cave is a common method; patience helps, since dottybacks often learn the “safe zones” in the rockwork quickly.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
Recently viewed products
