Magenta dottyback, Pseudochromis porphyreus
Although it's cheaper than the similar-looking Pseudochromis fridmani, P. porphyreus is sometimes best avoided, says Matt Clarke.
Copyright © Practical Fishkeeping
Common names: Magenta dottyback, Strawberry fish, Strawberry dottyback, Strawberry basslet, Purple dottyback
Scientific name: Pseudochromis porphyreus
Size: 6cm/2.5" or less.
Water parameters: pH 8.3, 24-26°C, 35 ppt salinity.
Aquarium: Like most pseudochromines, this species does well in the reef aquarium. It is a small fish with a rock-associated lifestyle, so you may not see it as often as some other species. It generally mixes well with other fish, providing they are not too aggressive. However, since it is territorial and potentially aggressive towards similar-looking species, it would be best to keep just a single specimen. Don't house it alongside the similar, but more peaceful, P. fridmani... Sometimes the odd fish will become hyperdominant, so this is a species that needs keeping an eye on.
Diet: Initially a little tricky to get feeding, but once acclimated to aquarium life it will accept most foods, including frozen artemia and mysis and dried flakes.
Sexing: Pairs form through protogynous hermaphroditism. Females can undergo sex reversal to become male. If you have a large tank you could try to get a pair by starting off with a couple of fish of unequal size. However, this is an aggressive fish with its own kind, so you must have plenty of space to make this viable.
Breeding: Ball of eggs laid in a small cave or rock crevice are guarded by the male. Fry require a diet of rotifers.
Similar species: This fish is often confused with the Magenta dottyback, Pseudochromis fridmani. P. porphyreus has a plain magenta body and a clear edge to its caudal fin. P. fridmani is more elongate with a darker, pointier tail and a dark mark running from the snout back through the eye. Its scales also have dark markings on them, making it slightly less colourful than porphyreus. Although fridmani tends to be more expensive it is much more peaceful and can even be kept in groups.
Availability: This is quite a common fish in the aquarium trade and most shops should be able to obtain it for you.
Price: Expect to pay around 15-20 pounds on average.
Matt Clarke 344 (words, 7286 hits)Published online: 11.20.04
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 | Editor-in-Chief, Matt Clarke, writes the regular Interesting Imports column on rare and unusual fish in the UK aquarium trade. He's kept fish for 30 years and holds a degree, two higher degrees and two diplomas in fish biology, taxonomy and computational biology. |
| More articles by Matt Clarke » | |
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