Magenta Dottyback

The magenta dottyback, Pictichromis porphyreus, is a vividly purple fish also sold as the purple dottyback. Its small body conceals an assertive temperament, making compatibility more important than finding a spare corner of the aquarium.

Build rockwork with several caves and routes out of sight. Offer appropriately small marine meaty foods in regular portions, checking that the fish comes out to eat even if it initially spends time hidden. Shelter is important for this territorial species as well as for its neighbours.

Small bottom-dwelling invertebrates can be picked at or eaten. Timid gobies and other delicate fish may also suffer from persistent chasing around shared rockwork. Select a community able to coexist with a forceful resident and review interactions whenever a new fish is introduced.