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purpletop dottyback

Scientific name Pictichromis diadema
Descriptor Lubbock & Randall
Year of description 1978
IUCN category (World) LC
Family Pseudochromidae
Genus Pictichromis
Pictichromis diadema Pictichromis diadema
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Introduction

Pictichromis diadema, commonly known as purpletop dottyback, is a tropical marine fish native to the Indonesian seas. 

Who is it?

Morphology

  • Average size
    5 cm
  • Maximum size
    6.2 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year
  • Average size
    5 cm
  • Maximum size
    6.2 cm
  • Longevity
    5 year

How to recognize the purpletop dottyback ?

The purpletop dottyback has an elongated shape of about 6 cm, slightly compressed laterally. Its back is violet and its belly is yellow. The demarcation runs from the top of the mouth to the base of the caudal fin. The fins are translucent.

Sexual dimorphism

There is no apparent sexual dimorphism in this species.

 

Behaviour & Life cycle

  • diet
    omnivorous with carnivorous tendency
  • Sociability
    living in a group or alone
  • territorial
    Yes
  • Way of living
    diurnal

The purpletop dottyback is a fish that lives in small groups or solitarily and it typically resides near the bottom, hiding in rocks. It is a shy species with a calm temperament that vigorously defends its territory during reproduction.

Although social, it can display aggression towards its conspecifics.

Reproduction

  • Reproduction
    ovipare qui pond sur substrat caché
  • Hermaphrodite
    protogynous

The purpletop dottyback is an oviparous fish that lays eggs on hidden substrate. The male prepares a nest where the female will deposit her eggs. He will then guard the eggs until they hatch.

Harmless species

This species does not pose a particular danger to humans in case of encounter in its natural habitat.

Where to find it?

Conservation status of populations (IUCN)

World : LC

Geographic distribution & Conservation

There is limited precise information about the conservation status of wild populations of Pictichromis diadema.

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon

What is its habitat?

Natural environment characteristics

  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • Depth
    5 - 30 m

Biotope presentation

The purpletop dottyback is usually found at depths of less than 30 m. However, it is not impossible to encounter this fish at other depths. This species inhabits rocky areas of coral reefs. 

Species of the same biotope

Main recommendations for fishkeeping

Deontology

In order to preserve wildlife, if you acquire this animal, it must not be released into the wild. See also, the Fishipedia charter.

Fishipedia supports the practice of responsible and environmentally friendly aquarium keeping. We encourage maintenance if it is motivated by a desire to understand the biological functioning of living things and if it is done with respect for animal life.

We believe that aquaristics is an opening to the discovery of aquatic environments, especially freshwater, and that this knowledge is necessary to better protect and respect these environments. Logically, we refute the compulsive purchase of animals that would not find a sufficient and / or adapted place in the host aquarium.

Our recommendations

  • Min volume
    110 liters
  • Population min
    1
  • Temperature
    22 - 26 °C
  • pH (acidity)
    8.2 - 8.4

Characteristics

  • Difficulty breeding
    moderate
  • Robustness
    tolerant
  • Behaviour
    slightly aggressive
  • Availability
    occasional

General reminders

It is strongly advised to read the complete dedicated file and to get information on the feedbacks of maintenance of the envisaged animal, this to avoid any potential conflict whose end result is generally the death of the individual (or the other inhabitants). It is important not to overload your aquarium to limit pollution. This will make maintenance easier.

The realization of a seawater aquarium requires certain knowledge beforehand. Seawater is generally synthetic, consisting of reverse osmosis water and synthetic salt at a level of 33g / liters. It is also possible to take seawater directly (after making sure that the water is not polluted). The operation of a seawater aquarium is done in three phases: the installation of a living stone decoration, the introduction of invertebrates one month later, and the introduction of fish 3 months later. It is essential to wait as long as possible before to introduce the animals so that the micro-fauna has had time to develop well. The balance and the physico-chemical stability are fundamental for the success of this type of tank.

General reminder on maintenance datas

Le démarrage d'un aquarium est une partie primordiale pour l'équilibre et le bien-être des poissons. Lorsque l'on met en eau un aquarium, l'eau passe naturellement par un cycle biologique : le cycle de l'azote. Celui-ci dure environ trois semaines. Tous les 2 jours, nous vous conseillons de tester votre eau jusqu'à ce que le taux de nitrite soit à zéro pendant plusieurs jours d'affilée.

Pour accélérer ce cycle, vous pouvez utiliser un activateur de bactéries comme JBL Denitrol. Cette solution riche en bactéries vivantes et enzymes permet une mise en place rapide du cycle de l'azote. Les poissons peuvent alors être introduits plus rapidement.

Il est important de tester l'eau de son aquarium régulièrement pour maintenir un environnement sain pour les poissons et les autres habitants. Les tests d'eau permettent de mesurer les niveaux de différents paramètres tels que le pH, la dureté totale, ainsi que les taux de nitrates, de nitrites et d'ammoniaque.

Pour réaliser ces tests, vous pouvez utiliser des produits d'analyse spécialisés tels que JBL ProScan qui permet de réaliser un diagnostic de l'eau directement via un smartphone. Il existe également des coffrets de tests plus classiques de bandelettes, comme JBL PROAQUATEST.

En cas d’usage de l’eau du robinet, vous pouvez utiliser un conditionneur d’eau de type Biotopol de JBL pour éliminer les substances nocives comme le chlore, le cuivre, le plomb et le zinc. Les conditionneurs d'eau garantissent une meilleure santé aux poissons et une meilleure croissance des plantes.

Chlorine and chloramine are dangerous for the health of animals. Used to disinfect water, these agents are present in significant quantities in tap water. We recommend using an anti-chlorine agent every time you change the water. In addition to chlorine, treatments and medicines sold for aquarium use sometimes contain dangerous heavy metals in high doses.

Specific needs for the purpletop dottyback

The purpletop dottyback is a marine species which lives naturally at a temperature between 22 °C and 26 °C. For proper maintenance, the temperature should never exceed the 29°C for long periods. Nitrate levels should remain below 50mg/L. To keep the water clean and unpolluted, plan on changing 20% to 30% of the water volume each month. In seawater, it is also possible to remove nitrates using one of the following methods: Jaubert, denitrator on sulfur, biopeletts, vodka method.

The breeding of this species is accessible on condition of being well informed about its needs in aquarium . Any cohabitants must be chosen with care to avoid the loss of animals.

This species is generally available in specialized shops or from aquarium clubs. Specimens that have been bred for a long time are easier to breed, but special water parameters must be respected.

Cohabitation & Environment

This fish being a predatory species, it is recommended to maintain it in a specific environment, without other species. Indeed, any crustacean or fish of lower size will become a potential prey. A 110 liter aquarium is the minimum recommended for its maintenance. If you still try to associate it with other species, the cohabitants must be of a size at least comparable to the predator in a much larger volume. The aquarium can be provided with many hiding places and a large space to allow each individual to find refuge if necessary.

Tips for feeding

The purpletop dottyback is omnivorous with carnivorous tendency.

This species can eat dry food (flakes, pellets), fresh food and frozen food. To avoid deficiencies, it is recommended to vary the types of food.

You should not overfeed your residents to avoid polluting the water. For most species, it is better to feed a few small portions each day rather than one large meal.

Reproduction protocol

  • Maintenance difficulty
    hard
  • Spawning cleaning
    Male
  • egg-laying protection
    Male
  • Fry protection

Hybridization risks

In general, it is advised not to mix several species of the same genus or different varieties of the same species, to avoid the risks of hybridization.

These animals might interest you

To go further

Species of the same family

To read on the web

fishbase EOL

Sources & Contributions

Participation & Validation

The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.

Translation

Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.

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Template and content © Fishipedia - Unauthorized reproduction without prior request - ISSN 2270-7247 - Last modification 09/11/2023

Where to see this species?

Aquarium de Lyon

Scientific partners

UICN France fishbase Worms

Tags

#Pseudochromidae

#Pictichromis

#barrière de corail

#récifs extérieurs

#Philippine Sea

#Indonesian seas

Species of the same family

Same genus

Species of the same biotope

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