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Fish

Strawberry Dottyback

Pictichromis porphyrea
$45Out of stock
Pickup in store onlySold
Buy online and collect at 280 North Road, Eastwood NSW 2122.
Open Mon–Sat 10am–6pm · Sun 1pm–6pm. Usually ready the same day.
Livestock is collection only — we don't ship live coral or fish. Anything else in the same order is ready to grab when you collect.
Currently out of stock — ask us in store about availability.
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  • Kept in our system until you collect

About this fishWhat do these mean?

FamilyDottyback / Pseudochromidae
Max size6 cm
Minimum tank100 L · 26 gal
Care levelBeginner
Reef compatibilityReef safe
DietCarnivore
TemperamentSemi-aggressive
OriginWestern Pacific

See the full care profile →

Overview

The Strawberry Dottyback is a small, uniformly deep pink-to-magenta fish, one of the most vividly coloured small dottybacks available, offering strong colour impact for a nano or small reef tank. It's a hardy, easy-to-feed species well suited to a wide range of tank sizes.

Like most dottybacks it can be territorial, particularly toward similarly shaped or sized fish, so this is a species best added with some thought to existing tankmates rather than as an afterthought.

Its small size, vivid colour, and general hardiness make it a popular choice for keepers wanting a bold splash of colour without the space demands of a larger fish.

Compatibility

Strawberry Dottybacks can be territorial and occasionally nippy toward smaller, similarly shaped fish such as small gobies or blennies, so care with tankmate selection is worthwhile. They are generally fine with larger, more robust community fish that won't be intimidated.

They are fully reef safe and won't bother corals, clams, or invertebrates.

Health & quarantine

This is a hardy, adaptable species with few chronic health issues, generally acclimating and feeding well without major complications. A standard quarantine period of two to four weeks is recommended good practice, and this species typically ships and settles in with minimal stress.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Strawberry Dottyback reef safe?
Yes, fully reef safe with corals and invertebrates.
Is the Strawberry Dottyback aggressive?
It can be territorial, particularly toward smaller or similarly shaped fish, so tankmate selection matters.
What tank size suits a Strawberry Dottyback?
As small as 100 litres works well given its compact size.
Can I keep two Strawberry Dottybacks together?
Generally not recommended in a small tank — they can be aggressive toward their own kind unless introduced as a confirmed pair in a larger system.
Is the Strawberry Dottyback a good beginner fish?
Yes, it's hardy and easy to feed, though its territorial nature should be considered when planning tankmates.
Marine aquarium parametersOur recommended stable range for marine fish
Temp
24–26°C
Salinity
1.020–1.025
pH
8.1–8.4
Ammonia
0 ppm
Nitrite
0 ppm
Nitrate
< 40 ppm
Stability matters more than chasing perfect numbers. Quarantine new fish before adding them.

How collection works

1

Order & pay online

Check out and pay securely. We set it aside and hold it ready for you.

2

We get it ready

It stays in our system until you come in — usually ready the same day.

3

Collect in store

Drop in to 280 North Road, Eastwood, and pick it up.

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