Orchid dottyback
Pseudochromis fridmani · Pseudochromidae
Also known as Fridmani pseudochromis
Beginner
Captive-bred magenta jewel: hardy, eats anything and far less nasty than wild dottybacks.
In short: An orchid dottyback needs at least 110 L (29 US gal), water at 23–27 °C (73–81 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated beginner to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 7 cm (2.8 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Reef safe
- With corals
- Reef safe.
- With inverts
- May hunt very small ornamental shrimp.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Aggression
- Territorial in a small tank; fine in a bigger reef.
- Feeding
- Once or twice daily.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 110 L (29 US gal)
- Temperature
- 23–27 °C (73–81 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 5–10 years
- Diet
- Carnivore — mysis, pellets; also eats bristleworms.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Red Sea
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Vertical reef walls and caves
- Natural conditions
- Moderate flow, lots of rock.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- Mid-water
- Good tank mates
- ClownfishTangsWrasses
- Avoid
- Other dottybacksRoyal grammaTiny shrimp
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Intermediate
- Sexing
- Males slightly larger.
- Notes
- Regularly captive-bred; males tend egg balls in crevices.
- Common ailments
- Marine ich
Will it fit your tank?
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