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Orchid Dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Pseudochromidae
📍 Red Sea
Vivid orchid-purple throughout — one of the most coveted nano reef fish. A Red Sea endemic that is now tank-bred widely. Bold personality for its size; can be aggressive to smaller fish.
Care Guide
Diet
Orchid Dottybacks are carnivorous and require high-quality meaty foods. Feed frozen mysis shrimp, small frozen copepods, and high-protein pellets once daily in small portions. They will also accept finely chopped fresh seafood and live foods when available.
Behavior
Bold and territorial despite their small size, Orchid Dottybacks are active swimmers that patrol the mid-water column and reef structure. They can be aggressive toward smaller fish and other dottybacks, but are generally peaceful with larger, faster-moving species. They exhibit curious, confident personalities and adapt well to captive environments.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is possible but uncommon and requires specific conditions including excellent water quality, stable temperatures, and plenty of hiding spaces. Pairs may spawn in caves or crevices, but raising larvae is extremely difficult due to their tiny size and specialized dietary needs. Most aquarium specimens are tank-bred commercially rather than wild-caught.
Tank Mates
Similar size and reef-safe; both are bold and can coexist if tank is large enough
Small, peaceful, and occupies different tank zones; provides cleaning services
Can coexist but Dottyback may prey on smaller shrimp; larger pistol shrimp are safer
Larger and more robust than most shrimp; less likely to be predated upon
Peaceful algae grazer that poses no threat and helps maintain tank cleanliness
Common Diseases
Ich (Marine Ich)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, rubbing against surfaces
Raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C, maintain excellent water quality, consider copper-based treatments or hyposalinity in quarantine
Bacterial Infection
Torn fins, lesions on body, lethargy, loss of appetite
Improve water quality, perform partial water changes, use antibiotic medications if severe; quarantine infected fish
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, cloudy eyes, labored breathing, visible parasites
Quarantine immediately, treat with appropriate antiparasitic medication, maintain pristine water conditions
Stress-Related Illness
Faded coloration, hiding, reduced appetite, susceptibility to other diseases
Reduce aggression triggers, provide adequate hiding spaces, maintain stable water parameters, minimize tank disturbances
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- diet
- carnivore — mysis, pellets
- maxSize
- 3 inches
- minTankSize
- 10 gallons
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C