Orchid Dottyback – Complete Care Guide

Orchid Dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani) are beautiful vibrant purple/lavender fish kept in saltwater aquariums. Their long and slender bodies allow them to wiggle in and out of live rock which they treat as their home. The Orchid Dottyback is a fairly common fish found in the hobby and is a great addition to many saltwater fish tanks. This guide will discuss the needs of the Orchid Dottyback including information on aquarium requirements, water parameters and dietary needs, and compatible tank mates.

Aquarium Requirements

Orchid Dottybacks grow to a max size of 3 inches. This makes them great fish for aquariums that are 30 gallons or larger. This fish species does best in fish tanks with plenty of live rock. They will find a suitable cave in the rock to call home and will defend it. Like most other species of dottyback, the Orchid Dottyback can jump out of the aquarium when spooked by a fish, lights suddenly turning on or off, or for many other reasons. It is recommended that a well-fitted lid is provided to help prevent this.

Is the Orchid Dottyback Reef Safe?

Yes, Orchid Dottybacks are reef safe. The only things in danger of this fish are small, ornamental shrimp like the Sexy Shrimp. They should not bother corals or other invertebrates like starfish, snails, or hermit crabs. They may also consume pest critters in the fish tank such as flatworms and bristleworms. This makes them beneficial for the reef if you’re being plagued by either type of worm.

Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water parameters within the recommended ranges is essential for ensuring the happiness and longevity of your fish. Many saltwater species, including the Bicolor Dottyback, share similar requirements. Typically, a water temperature between 72°F and 78°F is suitable, with many fishkeepers opting for a range of 76°F to 78°F. The dKH levels should fall between 8 and 12, depending on the type of coral you may have. The pH level in your aquarium should be maintained between 8.1 and 8.4, though fluctuations may occur due to photosynthesis and respiration cycles throughout the day and night. Additionally, salinity levels should range from 1.020 to 1.025 sg, with higher levels preferred if you keep corals. Various tools are available to help you test the salinity of your aquarium water; check out “Different Salinity Reading Tools for Saltwater Fish Tanks” for more information.

Food & Diet

Orchid Dottybacks are carnivorous fish. As stated earlier, they should eat pests such as bristleworms and flatworms in the fish tank. The Orchid Dottyback should also be fed Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, and pellet/flake food that is high in protein. Overall, they are not picky eaters and should readily take anything introduced to them.

Tank Mates

Before we discuss potential tank mates for the Orchid Dottyback, it is important to know that they may show some aggression mainly because they are territorial fish. In a large enough aquarium with plenty of hiding places, this fish species should mostly keep to itself. However, I can never guarantee that because each fish has its unique personality and temperament.

If you introduce them into a large enough fish tank, and when they are incredibly small, you may be able to keep two Orchid Dottybacks together. They should pair up when they mature, creating a male/female pair and live in peace together. I can’t guarantee this will work but it is possible with this species under the proper conditions. However, I would not recommend mixing Dottyback species due to others having more aggression and the potential for territorial disputes between the two species.

Otherwise, Orchid Dottybacks should do well with gobies, clownfish, cardinalfish, dwarf angels, and other smaller fish that do not have a similar shape or utilize the same spaces as this fish species. They should not have issues with larger fish such as Tangs, Rabbitfish, Foxface, Butterflyfish, and other relatively peaceful large fish. I would stay away from other pseudochromis, damsels, firefish, and large predatory fish that will make a meal out of the Orchid Dottyback.

Breeding

Because Orchid Dottybacks can pair in a fish tank, they can breed. However, I do not have experience with successfully breeding this fish species. This fish is one of few saltwater fish that can breed in captivity.

Final Notes

Orchid Dottybacks are fantastic fish to keep if you love a vibrant flash of purple in your aquarium. They can be territorial which leads to aggression. However, by Pseudochromis standards, Orchid Dottybacks are fairly peaceful. If these do not catch your eye, check out other dottybacks by clicking this link.

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