| Common Name: |
Orchid Dottyback |
| Scientific Name: |
Pseudochromis fridmani |
| Size: |
~ 2 - 3" |
| Origin: |
Red Sea |
| Natural Habitat: |
Generally found at depths of 1-60 m, making its home in small holes or crevices. They prefer vertical rock faces or overhangs. Generally peaceful, but can be territorial toward similar species. Pairs have been known to breed in captivity. |
| Feeding Requirements: |
Will accept a variety of foods: live and/or frozen brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, flake foods and other prepared, meaty type foods are readily accepted. |
Difficulty Rating:
(1 = easy - 5 = hard) |
1 - Very hardy. Great beginner’s fish. |
Aggressiveness Rating:
(1 = shy - 5 = nasty) |
2- Generally a peaceful fish, but can be territorial and fight among their own species and other fish of the same shape and coloration. They are protective of their hiding place and will protect it forcefully when a clutch of eggs are present. Avoid housing with wrasses. |
| Captive Requirements: |
Temperature range: 72-84° F. Specific gravity: 1.023-1.026. Can be kept singly, in pairs or in groups. Very hardy fish in captivity. |
| Optional Requirements: |
A 30-gallon tank or larger is recommended with many hiding places. |
| Reef Tank Compatible: |
Yes – a great addition to reef aquariums. Will often swim in the open once comfortable with its surroundings. |
| Notes: |
One of my favorite all time fish. I have kept at least one in every tank I have had. They are very active and enjoyable to watch. Though available as wild caught, more and more readily captive-raised are available. They will hunt and feed on bristle worms and are said to eat small mantis shrimp (I have not witnessed the later). Orchid dottybacks are very hardy, have minimal requirements and do not bother corals, thus they are a perfect addition to most reef aquariums due to their minimal demands.
The Orchid dottyback is easily confused with the Purple Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis porphyreus), but can be distinguished by a difference in the black stripe running across its head and over its eyes. |
| Further Reading: |
The Dottybacks by Henry C. Schultz III. |
