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    Dottybacks

    Orchid dottyback

    Pseudochromis fridmani

    Good first fish

    Orchid dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani), photographed in the sea or an aquarium
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Care level
    Beginner
    Adult size
    7.6 cm in aquariums
    Minimum tank
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Mostly peaceful
    With corals
    Reef safe
    Captive-bred
    Widely sold captive-bred
    IUCN status
    Least Concern
    Show volumes in

    How do you care for the orchid dottyback?

    Semi-aggressive; one of the milder dottybacks.

    Feeding

    Carnivore.

    Once a day in a reef (LiveAquaria).

    Tank and special needs

    Plan for at least 114 litres of water (the care sheet says 30 US gallons).

    Hiding spots.

    Corals and invertebrates

    Small shrimp at risk.

    Which tankmates suit the orchid dottyback?

    Add multiples together; avoid other dottybacks.

    Suggested order in a mixed tank: add after the first peaceful fish.

    More than one orchid dottyback

    Keep one orchid dottyback: two of the same species usually fight.

    Other fish

    Checked against the other 59 fish in this guide, assuming a tank big enough for both. Individual fish differ, so treat this as a starting point.

    Avoid together (3)

    • Royal dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    • Magenta dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    • Neon dottybackBoth are Pseudochromis; close relatives defend the same space and food.
    Usually fine together (56)

    Invertebrates

    Only the invertebrates with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (6)

    • Skunk cleaner shrimpOrchid dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult skunk cleaner shrimps are usually safe.
    • Peppermint shrimpOrchid dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult peppermint shrimps are usually safe.
    • Camel shrimpOrchid dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult camel shrimps are usually safe.
    • Tiger tail sea cucumberA stressed or dead tiger tail sea cucumber can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Sea appleA stressed or dead sea apple can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Harlequin shrimpOrchid dottyback may eat very small shrimp; adult harlequin shrimps are usually safe.

    Corals and anemones

    Only the corals and anemones with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (1)

    These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.

    Quarantine and health

    Standard.

    New fish are the most common way disease gets into a reef tank. Quarantine every fish in a separate tank before it joins the display, and choose a method that suits its tolerance of copper.

    Captive-bred or wild?

    Readily captive-bred (Proaquatix, ORA). Buy captive-bred.

    What does it cost in the UK?

    about £59. This is one UK retailer’s listing on 21 October 2026, not a market average, and every item was sold out on that day.

    Sources

    1. LiveAquaria (US retailer) care sheetRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: stats, captive-bred.
    2. FishBase species summaryRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: max length, IUCN.
    3. Kraken Corals (UK retailer) catalogueRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: UK price.

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    Royal dottyback

    Pictichromis paccagnellae

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Jenny Huang, CC BY 2.0

    Magenta dottyback

    Pictichromis porphyrea

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe

    Photo Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0

    Neon dottyback

    Pseudochromis aldabraensis

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    10 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0