Strawberry Dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus)
The Strawberry Dottyback, also known as the Magenta Dottyback or Purple Pseudochromis, is a pint-sized powerhouse of color. Found throughout the reefs of the Western Pacific, including the vibrant waters of Indonesia, this fish is often the most vivid thing in a reef tank. However, don't let its beautiful "strawberry" appearance fool you—this fish is famous for having a "big personality" (and a bit of a temper) for its small size.
Key Information
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Common Names: Strawberry Dottyback, Magenta Dottyback, Purple Dottyback
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Scientific Name: Pseudochromis porphyreus
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Origin: Western Pacific (Indonesia, Philippines, Ryukyu Islands)
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Max Size: 5–6 cm (approx. 2–2.5 inches)
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Lifespan: 5–7 years
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive to Aggressive; very territorial
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Diet: Carnivore – Opportunistic hunter
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Care Level: Very Easy (Bulletproof)
Appearance & Identification
The Strawberry Dottyback is a master of "solid-state" color:
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The Color: A solid, uniform vibrant magenta-to-purple. It lacks any other markings, spots, or stripes, which makes its saturated color stand out even more.
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The "Twin" Problem: It is often confused with the Orchid Dottyback (P. fridmani). You can tell them apart because the Strawberry Dottyback lacks the black horizontal line through the eye and the forked tail found on the Orchid.
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The Eyes: Large, intelligent black eyes that are constantly scanning for food or intruders.
Behaviour & Tank Compatibility
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The Tiny Terror: Despite being only 2 inches long, this fish is incredibly bold. It will claim a specific cave or rock pile and defend it against fish much larger than itself.
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Aggression: It can be quite aggressive toward other small, peaceful fish, especially Gobies, Firefish, and other Dottybacks. It is best to avoid keeping it with anything of a similar shape or size unless the tank is very large.
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Reef Safe: 100% Reef Safe with corals. However, it may occasionally snack on very tiny ornamental shrimp (like sexy shrimp) if it is hungry.
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Social Structure: Must be kept singly. They are extremely intolerant of their own kind and will fight to the death in most home aquariums.
Ideal Tank Setup
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Tank Size: A minimum of 75L (20 Gallons).
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Rockwork: Provide plenty of crevices and small caves. They love to dart in and out of the rockwork and will spend most of their time hovering just inside their favorite "den."
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Water Quality: They are extremely hardy and can tolerate a variety of conditions, making them great for beginners or new setups.
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Lid: They are fast and can jump if startled by a larger tank mate. A secure lid is recommended.
Dietary Needs
They are eager eaters with a high metabolism:
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Diet: Accept all types of meaty foods, including frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.
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Dry Foods: They readily accept high-quality marine flakes and pellets.
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Pest Control: They are known to occasionally eat small bristle worms and flatworms, making them a helpful utility fish in some cases.
Why Choose the Strawberry Dottyback?
The Strawberry Dottyback is for the hobbyist who wants unbeatable color and a fish that is virtually indestructible. If you have a tank with larger or more "boisterous" fish (like Tangs or large Wrasses) and want a small splash of purple that can hold its own, this is the perfect choice. Just be cautious if you plan to keep a very peaceful "nano" reef with shy inhabitants!
