The Purpleback Pseudochromis, a.k.a. Skunkback Pseudochromis, is colored in bright yellow with a majenta back stretching from its mouth to the end of its dorsal. These fish make tremendous additions to reef tanks. They prefer lots of rockwork and do well in a community tank. Keep only one per tank and do not mix with other Basslets or Dottybacks.


Dottybacks are a group of small, colorful basslet-like fish that inhabit the crevices and small caves of the coral reef.

Dottybacks can be kept in smaller aquariums, although larger tanks with plenty of live rock are preferable. They are territorial and will defend the area they have claimed as home quite aggressively. Housing several dottybacks depends on the size of the tank and the amount of hiding places available. There is some success with introducing several dottybacks at the same time, this allows each to establish a territory to defend, without giving an advantage to one. Once a dottyback has becomes accustomed to a tank, it is usually difficult to get another introduced without being attacked. Dottybacks vary species by species in aggressiveness, and care should be taken when deciding which to introduce to an aquarium community.

Dottybacks are easy to feed, and frozen foods such as Mysid shrimp or Brine shrimp are readily accepted. They are also known to feed on small bristle worms, and have been introduced to tanks to help control excessive bristle worm populations. Aqua-cultured dottybacks are also fed pellet or granulated food.


The family of Dottybacks are well known for their elusive nature. These fish tend to stay within their crevice or cave until it is time to feed. Their color is usually quite dramatic and they are capable of changing their sex. When eggs are laid the males are known to pick up the eggs with their mouths in order to keep them aerated