Pseudochromis porphyreus

[dvillarreal]

I had a 10G laying around, and as I'm sure most of you could understand I had to fill it with something. I'm fairly proficient in freshwater (as I have 3 FW tanks), so I figured I'd start a nano-FOWLR.

In the 10G:
8 lb of live rock
crushed coral substrate
uv h.o.b.
maxi-jet 600

After all of the water parameters were met and stabilized, I decided (with the guidance from one of my LFS) to add a purple pseudochromis. It is my fault for not doing the appropriate research. Reading about this species, it is recommended that they inhabit at least a 30G tank.

She is very active and has a beautiful personality. She has created a nice little retreat behind one of the live rocks and every time I walk by the tank she comes to greet me. I bought her and I intent to keep her (as it was my responsibility when I purchased her).

I'm ok with not buying any other fish for her tank; I don't want any stress on her. I have access to a 30L at a reasonable price. I don't mind buying it. However, she has made a nice home in the 10G and I don't want to put her through the stress of moving if it isn't necessary.

Should I leave her in the 10G or set up the 30L? Does she need any other fish in the tank or can she be housed singly?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[All_fish]

Imo I think she would be fine as long as she's alone. Someone else is probably going to say I'm wrong though.

 

[Tony Gill]

Dottybacks are generally tough as nails, and Pictichromis porphyrea is no exception. I've kept single specimens in 10 gallon tanks with no problems. You would have aggression problems if you added other fish, though ... and predation problems if you added crustaceans. (Small crustaceans form the bulk of the diet of most dottybacks, and some specialise in feeding on certain types of shrimps.)

Tony