Purple Pseudochromis

Pictichromis porphyreus


(42 Reviews)

Purple Pseudochromis
The Purple Pseudochromis (Pictichromis porphyreus) displays stunning pink-purple coloration and hardy cave-dwelling behavior that makes it an excellent reef addition when provided with appropriate rockwork territories. These vibrant fish establish defined cave territories and pair well with mid-water swimming species in well-planned aquarium communities.

Purple Pseudochromis

Pictichromis porphyreus


(42 Reviews)

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Purple Pseudochromis Care Facts

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Canivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Max Size: 3 inches

Purple Pseudochromis (Pictichromis porphyrea): Vibrant Cave-Dwelling Reef Fish

The Purple Pseudochromis displays stunning pink-purple coloration that intensifies with proper nutrition and lighting. These hardy cave-dwelling fish make excellent additions to reef aquariums when their territorial requirements are accommodated through proper aquascaping and species selection.

Habitat and Natural Behavior:

Native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs, Purple Pseudochromis are specialized cave and crevice dwellers that establish defined territories around preferred rock formations. In captivity, they require complex rockwork with multiple cave systems to express natural behaviors.

Size, Lifespan, and Characteristics:

  • Adult Size: 3 inches maximum
  • Lifespan: 5-8 years with proper care
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Males display more intense coloration and slightly larger size
  • Behavior: Active cave-dwelling with territorial tendencies that develop after acclimation

Territorial Behavior and Tank Planning:

Purple Pseudochromis exhibit peaceful behavior initially but establish territories 2-4 weeks after introduction. Success requires understanding their cave-dwelling nature and providing appropriate rockwork structure.

Territory Requirements:

  • Multiple cave systems with single entrances
  • Complex rockwork creating territorial boundaries
  • Sight-line breaks to prevent constant visual contact
  • 12-18 inch territory zones around chosen caves

Tank Requirements:

  • Minimum Size: 30 gallons for single specimen
  • Preferred Size: 50+ gallons for better territorial management
  • Aquascaping: Essential complex rockwork with multiple caves
  • Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.024-1.026, Temperature 76-80°F
  • Lighting: Tolerates all reef lighting levels, prefers moderate areas

Diet and Feeding:

Carnivorous species requiring protein-rich foods:

  • High-quality marine pellets (primary diet)
  • Frozen mysis shrimp and enriched brine shrimp
  • Marine copepods and small crustaceans
  • Feed 2-3 times daily in small portions

Reef Compatibility:

Completely reef-safe with no interest in corals or beneficial invertebrates. Their carnivorous diet and cave-dwelling behavior make them excellent choices for reef systems.

Compatible Tank Mates:

Best Choices: Mid-water swimmers, sand-dwelling species, and fish that utilize different territory types:

  • Chromis species (single specimens)
  • Cardinalfish utilizing open water areas
  • Sand-sifting gobies
  • Peaceful wrasses
  • Large peaceful fish in 75+ gallon systems

Species to Avoid:

  • Royal Gramma (territorial competition)
  • Other dottyback species
  • Small peaceful fish under 2 inches
  • Other cave-dwelling basslets

Aquaculture Availability:

Successfully bred in captivity but primarily available as wild-caught specimens. Wild specimens are hardy and adapt well when provided with appropriate cave territories.

Important Note: Purple Pseudochromis may appear peaceful initially but develop territorial behavior as they mature and establish cave territories. Tank planning should accommodate this natural progression.

Ideal for: Reef aquarists with experience in territorial species management seeking a hardy, colorful cave-dwelling centerpiece fish for appropriately designed systems.

Very nice


Reviewed by: Bobbi Link on Dec. 15, 2024

Bright, very colorful.


Reviewed by: Shaun Huddleston on Oct. 23, 2024


Reviewed by: Paige Hutchinson on Oct. 20, 2024

Good fish.


Reviewed by: Tuan Tran on Oct. 18, 2024

Beautiful


Reviewed by: Scott Olson on Oct. 9, 2024

Love it


Reviewed by: Scott Olson on Sept. 29, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on Sept. 11, 2024


Reviewed by: Gary Sparks on Sept. 9, 2024

Great color and very healthy


Reviewed by: Anthony Balatti on Sept. 1, 2024

Adds great color to the reef, nice specimen.


Reviewed by: Timothy Thomas on Aug. 28, 2024

Bright colored


Reviewed by: Shaun Huddleston on July 18, 2024

Great purple color


Reviewed by: Jim Hauck on July 8, 2024


Reviewed by: Jana Hess on July 6, 2024


Reviewed by: Jana Hess on June 24, 2024

Very shy but throw food in the tank and. Join right away


Reviewed by: Alvin Barbes on June 17, 2024


Reviewed by: Billy Springer on May 13, 2024

Everything was great will order again soon


Reviewed by: Alan Amtmann on April 30, 2024


Reviewed by: Debra K Mabrey on April 3, 2024

Really fast shipping was very happy with the fish looking to buy a lot more


Reviewed by: Richard Staats on Jan. 29, 2024

Beautiful color


Reviewed by: Mike Perdue on Jan. 17, 2024


Reviewed by: Jason Salyer on Jan. 16, 2024

Great


Reviewed by: Edward A Wilburn on Jan. 12, 2024

Absolutely love this fish! Brings so much color to the tank and is actually very well behaved and gets along with all my fish, even the ones you would think he would be territorial with. A great addition to your tank if you already don't have one.


Reviewed by: Dale Pichelmayer on Jan. 10, 2024


Reviewed by: Laurence Somers on Dec. 25, 2023

Found homes right away.


Reviewed by: Jerry Albright on Dec. 18, 2023

Vibrant and active


Reviewed by: James Miller on Dec. 11, 2023


Reviewed by: Debbie Konechney on Dec. 11, 2023


Reviewed by: Hayden Hendricks on Nov. 26, 2023

What a beautiful magenta color. They're more active each day


Reviewed by: Eric Wilson on Oct. 29, 2023


Reviewed by: Brad Fritza on Oct. 28, 2023


Reviewed by: Eric Wilson on Oct. 24, 2023


Reviewed by: Laurence Somers on Oct. 14, 2023

This guy is doing great in quarantine after less than a week and i hope he does well in my DT


Reviewed by: Jim Minor on Sept. 24, 2023

Color is beautiful. Love the different color in my tank


Reviewed by: Kim Smith on Sept. 13, 2023


Reviewed by: Woody Johnson on Sept. 6, 2023


Reviewed by: Richard Walker on Aug. 8, 2023

Beautiful fish, active and eating within a few days.


Reviewed by: Laurence Somers on Aug. 4, 2023


Reviewed by: Susan Alexandre on July 24, 2023


Reviewed by: John Cordova on June 28, 2023

Had mine for 2 years and it was good with all other fish and invertebrates. I did have a very small hole in my lid for my filtration, and it found it. Was looking for it for a few days till I found it behind the tank on the floor. Beautiful fish. Make sure on your lid.


Reviewed by: John Atella on June 7, 2022

I received this about 10 days ago. The little guy hits in the rocks but swims out for a bit. It is settling in nicely and the color is a deep purple. A very pretty addition!


Reviewed by: Eric Roberts on Aug. 22, 2016

An absolutely gorgeous fish! He quickly made friends with my other fish, and his color looks so pretty in my tank.


Reviewed by: Lisa on July 3, 2015

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