{"product_id":"purple-stripe-dottyback-pseudochromis-diadema","title":"Purple Stripe Dottyback - Pseudochromis diadema","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Stripe Dottyback (\u003cem\u003ePictichromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e), frequently sold under its original scientific name \u003cem\u003ePseudochromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e, is a brilliantly colored saltwater fish with a vivid yellow body topped by an intense magenta-to-purple stripe extending from the head along the upper back. Its compact size and electric coloration make it an eye-catching addition to reef and fish-only aquariums. \u003cem\u003ePictichromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e is the currently accepted scientific name, while \u003cem\u003ePseudochromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e remains a widely recognized synonym in the aquarium trade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the Western Central Pacific, this species occurs around Peninsular Malaysia, the Philippines, and northern Borneo. In nature, it inhabits sheltered reefs with abundant coral growth, typically staying close to rocks, crevices, and other protective structure. Adults reach approximately 2.4 inches in total length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite its small size, the Purple Stripe Dottyback has a confident and territorial temperament. It can be an excellent choice for aquarists looking for a hardy, colorful marine aquarium fish, but tankmates should be selected carefully because established individuals may aggressively defend their preferred cave or section of rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30 gallons\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e With Caution\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Western Central Pacific — Peninsular Malaysia, Philippines, and northern Borneo\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePictichromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e — synonym: \u003cem\u003ePseudochromis diadema\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species reaches approximately 6.2 cm, or 2.4 inches, and its territorial behavior makes adequate rockwork and personal space important even though it remains relatively small.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a well-established saltwater aquarium with plenty of live rock, caves, overhangs, and narrow crevices. Purple Stripe Dottybacks naturally remain close to reef structure and will typically establish a particular cave or section of rockwork as their territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArrange the aquascape to create multiple hiding areas and broken lines of sight, especially in community aquariums. This gives both the dottyback and its tankmates places to retreat and can reduce constant territorial confrontations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOpen swimming space should still be available around the rockwork, although this species spends much of its time moving between caves and nearby reef structure rather than cruising continuously through open water. No specialized substrate is required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium lid is recommended. Like many dottybacks, these quick-moving reef fish can jump when startled or chased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Stripe Dottyback is carnivorous. Wild dottybacks feed on small crustaceans, worms, and plankton around reef structure, and this species readily adapts to a varied selection of appropriately sized marine foods in captivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped shrimp, clam or other marine seafood, copepod-based frozen foods, quality carnivore pellets, and complete frozen marine blends. A varied diet is preferable to relying on a single food source.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed one to two small meals per day, offering portions the fish can consume quickly without allowing excess food to accumulate within the rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Purple Stripe Dottyback is territorial and can be surprisingly assertive for its size. Once established, it may aggressively defend caves and nearby rockwork against smaller or more passive fish. FishBase specifically notes aggressive behavior toward other fishes in aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid pairing it with very timid gobies, small passive basslets, delicate anthias, or other fish likely to be repeatedly intimidated. Other dottybacks and similarly shaped cave-dwelling species may also trigger strong territorial behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is generally best kept singly in a typical community aquarium. A confirmed compatible pair may be maintained in a larger, heavily structured system, but casually adding two unrelated individuals can result in serious fighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppropriate tankmates include moderately assertive reef fish that are large enough and confident enough to avoid being easily bullied.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReef safe with caution.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Purple Stripe Dottyback is generally considered safe with corals and is unlikely to damage the reef structure itself. However, its carnivorous feeding behavior means very small ornamental crustaceans and other tiny mobile invertebrates may be viewed as prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge established ornamental shrimp are less vulnerable than very small shrimp, but individual behavior should always be considered. Corals, including SPS and LPS corals, are not typically the primary concern with this species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor this reason, it is a good candidate for many reef aquariums when its territorial temperament and potential predation on small invertebrates are taken into account.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecific Gravity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAlkalinity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts natural tropical habitat falls within approximately 75–79°F, making standard stable reef-aquarium conditions appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining consistent salinity, temperature, pH, and overall water quality is more important than continually adjusting the aquarium to reach one exact value within these ranges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTerritorial despite its size:\u003c\/strong\u003e This small dottyback can dominate considerably more passive tankmates once it establishes a cave or section of rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest kept singly:\u003c\/strong\u003e Avoid casually mixing it with other dottybacks or similar cave-dwelling species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvide numerous hiding places:\u003c\/strong\u003e Caves and crevices closely match its natural sheltered reef habitat and help reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatch small ornamental invertebrates:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tiny shrimp and other small crustaceans may be treated as prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUse a secure lid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fast-moving dottybacks may jump when startled, chased, or newly introduced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51225282674986,"sku":"DOTTYxDiadema","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/DiademaDottyback.png?v=1786998993","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/purple-stripe-dottyback-pseudochromis-diadema","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}