Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) Care Guide

A stunning, entirely purple dottyback endemic to the Red Sea. One of the most desirable and well-behaved dottybacks, it is far less aggressive than most congeners.

Overview

Pseudochromis fridmani is a species in the family Pseudochromidae. A stunning, entirely purple dottyback endemic to the Red Sea. One of the most desirable and well-behaved dottybacks, it is far less aggressive than most congeners. Captive-bred specimens are widely available and adapt easily to aquarium life. Excellent for nano reef tanks where it will patrol crevices and rockwork.

Taxonomy

Family: Pseudochromidae
Genus: Pseudochromis
Scientific name: Pseudochromis fridmani
Other names: Fridman's Dottyback
Origin: Red Sea

Habitat

Endemic to the Red Sea, where it inhabits caves and overhangs of coral and rocky reefs at depths of 1-60 m. Uniformly intense magenta-purple in coloration. One of the first marine fish to be reliably captive-bred for the trade, and the most commonly tank-bred dottyback today.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 80 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 5-7 cm
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Firefish Goby, Royal Gramma, Blue Chromis
Avoid with: Other Dottybacks, Very Small Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate