Magenta Dottyback (aka Purple Dottyback)
Quick Stats Care Level: Easy Diet: Carnivore Temperament: Semi-Aggressive Reef-Safe: Yes Source: Captive Bred Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5" Approximate Max Size: 3" Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger Overview The Magenta Dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyrea) is found only in the Red Sea. They’re observed in colonies near vertical walls or ledges, where they dart out to grab a meal from the passing zooplankton, then rush back. In the wild they are found at moderate to deep depths, and look blue rather than the magenta or violet color most aquarists are used to. This is due to the filtering of red light by seawater. In aquariums, Magenta Dottybacks are quite easy to keep and feed. They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Magenta Dottybacks are moderately territorial and more than one can be kept per tank, as long as the tank has plenty of hiding spaces. Adding multiple small individuals at once will likel