CheckMyFishTank

Orchid Dottyback care

Pseudochromis fridmani · Saltwater · Beginner level care

Orchid Dottyback, painted illustration

A beautiful purple fish that is hardy but bold and pushy.

Smallest tank30 gallons
Adult size3 inches
Temperature75 to 80°F
pH8.1 to 8.4
GroupOne per tank
TemperamentAggressive
SwimsBottom of the tank
Lives5 to 8 years
Watch for: It is aggressive to small fish and similar looking fish. Add it to the tank last.

Feeding

Twice a day. A small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes. Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets.

Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.

Claims a territory and guards it.

Good tank mates

Fish that pass every check with Orchid Dottyback in a 60 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.

Bicolor BlennyBlue Devil DamselfishClark's ClownfishDomino DamselfishMidas BlennyOcellaris ClownfishPercula ClownfishRoyal GrammaSix Line WrasseSkunk Clownfish

Do not mix with

  • Green Chromis: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Green Chromis.
  • Firefish Goby: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Firefish Goby.
  • Purple Firefish: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Purple Firefish.
  • Banggai Cardinalfish: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Banggai Cardinalfish.
  • Pajama Cardinalfish: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Pajama Cardinalfish.
  • Yellow Watchman Goby: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Watchman Goby.
  • Neon Goby: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Neon Goby.
  • Yellow Clown Goby: Orchid Dottyback is aggressive and will bully peaceful Yellow Clown Goby.

Questions

What size tank does a Orchid Dottyback need?

At least 30 gallons. Adults grow to about 3 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.

What temperature does a Orchid Dottyback like?

75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 8.1 to 8.4. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.

How many Orchid Dottyback should I keep together?

Keep only one. Orchid Dottyback fight their own kind.

What do Orchid Dottyback eat?

Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, marine pellets. Feed twice a day: a small pinch they finish in about 2 minutes.

Sources

Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.