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Pseudotropheus purpuratus can be found on some locations along the eastcoast of the lake like Gome, Chiloelo and Tumbi Point in Tanzania, along the coast northern from Monkey Bay at the Nankumba peninsula and near the Islands Thumbi West, Nankoma and Maleri. Mainly they are living there between the rocks in the shallow intermediate zones from rocks to sand on depths of less than 5 meters. It`s a very territorial species which defends its cave fiercely. The examples shown here are offspring from parental fish which were caught near Maleri Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 12 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 14 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Pseudotropheus purpuratus can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbunas in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae which they find on the rocks and also with all kinds of invertebrates which are living in these algae. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
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