Strawberry Dottyback

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Common in the Western tropical Pacific, from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Ryukyu Islands, Palau, and Samoa. Inhabits seaward reefs, sheltering in small caves and under ledges at depths of 6 to 65 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the genus Pseudochromis. Features a slender, slightly compressed body, reaching a maximum size of 6 cm (2.4 inches).

Social Behavior: Highly territorial and aggressive. Will fiercely defend its territory from other dottybacks or similarly-shaped/colored fish. Active and bold.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Stunning, uniform electric magenta-purple color over the entire body, with no spots or markings. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires an aquarium of at least 120 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create deep caves and narrow crevices. A secure lid is vital to prevent escape.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Provide frozen mysis, brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, and small high-quality pellets. Helps control small bristleworms and flatworms.

Water Quality: Extremely hardy. Maintain stable marine parameters: temperature 24-26°C (75-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.022-1.025, GH 15-25, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef-safe with corals. Highly aggressive towards peaceful, slow, or passive tankmates. Keep only with active, robust species and introduce last.

Aquarium Breeding: Rare in home aquaria. The male guards a spherical egg mass inside his cave, aggressively defending the nest.

Risks and Diseases: High jumping risk when startled. Very disease-resistant and tolerant of minor water quality parameters.