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    Dottybacks

    Magenta dottyback

    Pictichromis porphyrea

    Also sold as Strawberry dottyback, Purple dottyback

    Magenta dottyback (Pictichromis porphyrea), photographed in the sea or an aquarium
    Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Care level
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    7.6 cm in aquariums
    Minimum tank
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    With corals
    Reef safe
    Captive-bred
    Wild-caught (captive-bred rare)
    IUCN status
    Least Concern
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    How do you care for the magenta dottyback?

    Semi-aggressive; attacks similar shapes and colours, especially peaceful fish added after it.

    Feeding

    Carnivore.

    Colour fades without varied pigment-rich foods. typical, check

    Tank and special needs

    Plan for at least 114 litres of water (the care sheet says 30 US gallons).

    Rockwork.

    Corals and invertebrates

    Tiny shrimp.

    Which tankmates suit the magenta dottyback?

    Add after other livestock; one per tank.

    Suggested order in a mixed tank: add last, after the peaceful fish have settled.

    More than one magenta dottyback

    Keep one magenta dottyback: two of the same species usually fight.

    Other fish

    Checked against the other 59 fish in this guide, assuming a tank big enough for both. Individual fish differ, so treat this as a starting point.

    Avoid together (3)

    • Royal dottybackBoth are Pictichromis; close relatives defend the same space and food.
    • Orchid dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    • Neon dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    Usually fine together (56)

    Invertebrates

    Only the invertebrates with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (6)

    • Skunk cleaner shrimpMagenta dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult skunk cleaner shrimps are usually safe.
    • Peppermint shrimpMagenta dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult peppermint shrimps are usually safe.
    • Camel shrimpMagenta dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult camel shrimps are usually safe.
    • Tiger tail sea cucumberA stressed or dead tiger tail sea cucumber can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Sea appleA stressed or dead sea apple can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Harlequin shrimpMagenta dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult harlequin shrimps are usually safe.

    Corals and anemones

    Only the corals and anemones with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (1)

    These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.

    Quarantine and health

    Standard.

    New fish are the most common way disease gets into a reef tank. Quarantine every fish in a separate tank before it joins the display, and choose a method that suits its tolerance of copper.

    Captive-bred or wild?

    Wild-caught mostly.

    Where sources disagree

    Where sources disagree
    TopicWhat sources sayOur reading
    Minimum tank
    • 10 US gallons in one reference book.
    • 20 to 30 US gallons from a US retailer and a news site.
    		Use about 114 litres (30 US gallons); aggression rises in small tanks.

    Other minimum tank sizes we found:

    Sources

    1. LiveAquaria (US retailer) care sheetRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: stats.
    2. Microcosm Aquarium Explorer entryRead 21 October 2026, search summary only. Used for: tank size.
    3. Reef Builders articleRead 21 October 2026, search summary only. Used for: overview.
    4. FishBase species summaryRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: max length, IUCN.

    Last checked . How we check

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    Royal dottyback

    Pictichromis paccagnellae

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Jenny Huang, CC BY 2.0

    Orchid dottyback

    Pseudochromis fridmani

    Good first fish

    Care
    Beginner
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Mostly peaceful
    Corals
    Reef safe

    Photo Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Neon dottyback

    Pseudochromis aldabraensis

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    10 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0