The purple pocket bulldog — small, stunning, and surprisingly feisty.
Orchid Dottybacks (Pseudochromis fridmani) are about 3 inches (8 cm), a luminous purple, and among the more peaceful dottybacks — but still territorial toward similar-shaped or smaller fish. They are hardy, reef-safe with care, and a popular splash of color.
They need rockwork with caves to claim. They generally leave corals alone but may harass small gobies or similar-shaped fish, so choose tank mates thoughtfully.
Orchid Dottybacks live 5 or more years with good marine care. Stable water and rock shelter support a long life.
What do Orchid Dottybacks eat?
They are carnivores taking frozen/live foods like mysis and brine shrimp, and usually pellets. The mistake is only flake; offer meaty foods for color and condition.
Tank size and water parameters
A 30-gallon (115 L) tank suits one. Target 72-80°F (22-27°C), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, ammonia/nitrite zero, nitrate under ~20 ppm. Provide caves and live rock; keep one per tank.
Common mistakes with Orchid Dottybacks
Key errors: similar-shaped tank mates they attack; two dottybacks in a small tank (fight); no caves to claim; and poor marine water quality.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
Similar-shaped tank mates — they attack gobies and small look-alikes.
Two dottybacks — keep one per tank; they fight.
No caves — they need shelter to claim territory.
Poor marine water quality — keep parameters stable.
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