Common Name: Orchid Dottyback
Scientific Name: Pseudochromis fridmani
Coloration: Vibrant fuchsia-orchid purple with a slender, streamlined body
Personality: Bold, active, and curious; prefers to explore and establish its territory
Preferred Habitat: Thrives in rock crevices and overhangs for shelter
Compatibility: Best with peaceful species like clownfish; only one dottyback per tank
Reproduction: Egg-layers; male guards eggs laid in crevices if breeding occurs
Care Level: Moderate; ideal for the Living Ecosystems Aquarium and Living Blocks Reef structure

The Orchid Dottyback, also known as Pseudochromis fridmani, is a stunning addition to any marine aquarium, featuring a vibrant fuchsia-orchid purple coloration and a sleek, streamlined body. These dottybacks are aquacultured and supplied as juveniles, ensuring they are well-adapted to aquarium life and sustainably sourced. Known for their bold personality and active swimming, the Orchid Dottyback adds life and character to the tank, often exploring every nook and cranny of its habitat.

In the Living Ecosystems Aquarium, only one Orchid Dottyback is recommended due to its territorial nature, but it is known to coexist harmoniously with clownfish, making it a fantastic addition to a mixed-species reef environment. The Living Blocks Reef provides ideal hiding spots and exploration spaces, allowing the Orchid Dottyback to establish its territory while feeling secure and free to roam.

Behavior and Compatibility:
The Orchid Dottyback is bold and curious, often staking out its own space within the aquarium. While it is territorial with other dottybacks, it gets along well with clownfish and other peaceful tankmates. This solitary fish doesn’t require companions of its own kind, preferring instead to form friendly associations with compatible species like clownfish.

Reproduction:
Orchid Dottybacks are egg-layers and, although breeding in home aquariums is uncommon, they may spawn under ideal conditions. The male guards and tends to the eggs, which are typically laid in a secure crevice. Successful breeding may require separate conditions to protect the fry.