Purple Dottyback (pseudochromis) - any experience or advice requested

[therremans]

Hi,

We have a solo purple dottyback that we really enjoy. It’s a weird fish with a lot character. It seems happy in the cave rock work that I put together for it. I am aware of their hostile reputation. But otherwise, a great fish living alone. If this tank is too small for him long-term, I would consider re-homing it. It was a juvenile rescue from a local pet store and it responded very well with QT + medication (~1 year ago).

I am okay with this being the only fish in the tank, since the tank is around 15g. He ate a peppermint shrimp that was medium in size. I felt bad about that and don’t want it to happen again. I am hesitant to add any shrimp. Two emerald crabs also share the tank with him and they’re fine.

Do you think smaller, non threatening, non free swimming fish could be an option? Or will they just be easy targets? Such as a pair of neon gobies or clown gobies? If I have time to react, I have other tanks these gobies can be moved to. Or another purple dottyback that’s opposite gender? (Seems risky)

I do have the ability to pull out the live rock for new fish introductions, but it’s all bonded together. so I cannot rearrange it.

Thanks.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Have one
Can have an attitude and requires sufficient hiding
Hit and miss on jumping but love to sneak through overflows