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Suggested Tank
30+ gallons
Max Size
3 inches
Difficulty
Temperament
Description
The Purple Dottyback, also known as the Magenta Dottyback or Purple Pseudochromis, is a small, vibrantly colored saltwater fish. It has a striking purple or magenta body with a slender, elongated shape. The Purple Dottyback is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a popular choice among aquarists.
Reef Safe
Yes, Purple Dottybacks are generally considered reef safe. However, they may eat small, ornamental shrimp, and may also nip at small polyped stony corals and some soft corals.
Environment
Purple Dottybacks prefer a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots. They like caves and crevices in live rock where they can hide and defend their territory. They can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions.
Behavior
These fish are known for their territorial nature. They can be aggressive towards other fish, especially those of similar size and shape. It's recommended to keep only one Purple Dottyback per tank unless it's a large tank with plenty of hiding spots.
Information might not be complete or accurate. Help the community by suggesting corrections.
Owner Reviews

Will
@Mellow_Dove_86
I love this fish! So pretty and does not bother other fish or corals. I will always own an orchid dottyback in my reef tanks.
Craig Snowgold
@MaizeandBlue
Very active and gets along with other tank mates. Beautiful color, and can be seen from across the room.

dffssdf
@SassyTurtle12
Aggression varies by individual, but mine is peaceful. Would still recommend adding last to a tank though. Spends most of the time around the rock work and in the bottom 1/3 of the tank, but is usually out and about during the day. Definitely can be feisty to smaller fish at times and may bother overly peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish like firefish. Pros: striking burst of color, easy to keep, most peaceful of the dottybacks Cons: may be aggressive towards smaller tank mates; aggression varies by individual Availability: can be difficult to find
Jasia
@Jasia17750
Hated this fish! Was very mean and as nice of a color it had it was not worth it. Constantly bullying other fish no matter where they were in my 75 gallon. Would not buy again.

Christian
@Christian27484
Mean little guy

Christian
@Christian27484
Very colorful fish for a small tank but can be very rude to fellow tankmates, proceed with caution.
Dave
@milld119
I love the coloring of this fish!!! I’m red/green colorblind so I think he is blue but everyone tells me it’s purple. No matter what color, I LOVE IT!!!
For Sale
Price History
Image | Title | Price | Company | Sold Date | Action |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Longfin Indigo Dottyback
|
$ 36.00 | The Coral Reef | Oct 2, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback *pick up only*
|
$ 50.00 | Fragbox Corals | Sep 29, 2025 | View |
|
C/B Fridmani Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis Fridmani)
|
$ 44.00 | Reef Beauties | Sep 21, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 25.00 | Live Aquaria | Sep 16, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 17.00 | Live Aquaria | Sep 13, 2025 | View |
|
C/B Fridmani Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis Fridmani)
|
$ 47.00 | Reef Beauties | Sep 12, 2025 | View |
|
Captive Bred Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 50.00 | Candy Corals | Sep 11, 2025 | View |
|
C/B Fridmani Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis Fridmani)
|
$ 44.00 | Reef Beauties | Sep 7, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback *pick up only*
|
$ 60.00 | Fragbox Corals | Sep 6, 2025 | View |
|
Captive Bred Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 42.00 | Candy Corals | Sep 2, 2025 | View |
|
C/B Fridmani Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis Fridmani)
|
$ 47.00 | Reef Beauties | Aug 31, 2025 | View |
|
Captive Bred Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 50.00 | Candy Corals | Aug 29, 2025 | View |
|
Longfin Indigo Dottyback
|
$ 36.00 | The Coral Reef | Aug 27, 2025 | View |
|
Captive Bred Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 42.00 | Candy Corals | Aug 25, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 25.00 | Live Aquaria | Jul 1, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 60.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 26, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 50.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 26, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 44.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 23, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 60.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 20, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 50.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 20, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 55.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 20, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 60.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 14, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 50.00 | Fragbox Corals | Jun 14, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 25.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 13, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 17.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 12, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 44.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 11, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 48.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 6, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 44.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 4, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 55.00 | Live Aquaria | Jun 4, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 48.00 | Live Aquaria | May 30, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 55.00 | Live Aquaria | May 29, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 44.00 | Live Aquaria | May 26, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback
|
$ 40.00 | Marine Collectors | May 23, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 17.00 | Live Aquaria | May 22, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 25.00 | Live Aquaria | May 22, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 55.00 | Live Aquaria | May 20, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 44.00 | Live Aquaria | May 19, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 55.00 | Live Aquaria | May 18, 2025 | View |
|
Purple Dottyback
|
$ 21.00 | Live Aquaria | May 14, 2025 | View |
|
Orchid Dottyback, Captive-Bred
|
$ 47.00 | Live Aquaria | May 14, 2025 | View |
Write a Review
Purple Dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani