Orchid Dottyback

Orchid Dottyback: The Peaceful Purple Jewel

The Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani), also commonly known as the Fridman's Dottyback or Red Sea Dottyback, is one of the most highly sought-after and well-regarded small marine fish in the hobby. Unlike many of its aggressive Dottyback relatives, the Orchid Dottyback is celebrated for its comparatively mellow temperament and stunning coloration.

Endemic to the Red Sea, this fish showcases a brilliant, solid magenta-purple body that appears to glow, especially under blue lighting. It is a small species, reaching a maximum adult size of only 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm). Its diminutive size and hardiness make it an excellent choice for nano reefs and standard community aquariums.

Due to its popularity and success in captive breeding, the vast majority of Orchid Dottybacks available to hobbyists today are aquacultured, which generally results in a hardier, less aggressive specimen that is already accustomed to prepared aquarium foods.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Orchid Dottyback is a Carnivore, preying on small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton in its natural habitat.
• Feeding: In the aquarium, it readily accepts a varied diet of meaty, frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, and finely chopped marine foods. It will also take high-quality flakes and pellets. Feed 1–2 times per day. A varied, vitamin-enriched diet is necessary to preserve its intense purple coloring.
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial. While significantly more peaceful than other Pseudochromis species, it is territorial and will fiercely defend its chosen cave or crevice. It may harass smaller or very shy fish like Dartfish and slow-moving Gobies. Do not mix with other Dottybacks or fish of a very similar body shape/coloration (like the False Gramma).
• Reef Compatibility: Reef Safe. This is one of the safest Dottybacks for a reef tank. It will not bother corals, clams, or large motile invertebrates (like snails and large crabs). However, it may pose a threat to tiny, ornamental shrimp (such as Anemone Shrimp) and will actively consume nuisance pests like bristleworms.
• Hiding Space: This fish requires an aquascape with ample live rock providing plenty of small caves and crevices for security and territorial establishment.
• Jump Risk: Like many fish that live in rocky crevices, the Orchid Dottyback is a capable jumper. A secure, tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudochromis fridmani
• Primary Common Name: Orchid Dottyback
• Other Common Names: Fridman's Dottyback, Red Sea Dottyback
• Origin: Red Sea (Majority are Captive-Bred)
• Max Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty foods)
• Care Level: Easy to Moderate (Beginner-friendly)
• Minimum Tank Size: 20–30 Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: Yes (Safe with corals and most invertebrates)