Orchid dottyback reef compatibility check
Pseudochromis fridmani
Orchid dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) is an intermediate-level dottyback that needs at least 30 gallons. It is listed as reef safe; can harass timid fish if added too early. Temperament is semi aggressive and adults reach about 3 inches. ReefCrafter schedules it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle.
Colorful reef-safe fish that needs a confident stocking order and rockwork retreats.
Who it is for
Good fit for
- ✓ Tanks of 30+ gallons at the animal's adult size.
- ✓ Newly cycled tanks with a compatible stocking list.
- ✓ Reef tanks with corals and invertebrates.
Not a fit for
- ✕ Tanks under 30 gallons, even while it is small.
- ✕ Keepers without some reef experience and stable parameters.
- ✕ Peaceful community tanks with small, timid fish.
- ✕ Can harass timid fish if added too early.
Compatibility warnings
- Can harass timid fish if added too early.
- Check adult size against the final tank, not the fish or coral at purchase size.
- Add livestock slowly so the bioload and nutrient export can keep up.
- Use the planner when this animal changes the tank-size, flow, lighting, or stocking plan.
Professional planning context
- Use the 30 gallon minimum as an adult-planning floor; display length, aquascape, and existing tankmates can raise that floor.
- This can be planned early after cycling, but only after quarantine/acclimation logistics and stocking order are settled.
- Professionals should model aggression by territory and introduction order, not only by care level.
Tank fit and maturity gate
ReefCrafter uses 30 gallons as the planning floor for adult size, swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin.
This species can be planned early when the tank is cycled and the rest of the stocking list is compatible.
Care notes
- Temperament
- Semi Aggressive
- Reef safety
- Safe
- Adult size
- 3 in
- Placement
- Build dependent
- Diet
- Build dependent
- Flow
- Varied
- Light
- None
- Bioload
- 1.1
- Stocking stage
- Middle
Related species
- Azure damselfish
Same 30-gallon floor, beginner care.
- Banded pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
- Banggai cardinalfish
Same 30-gallon floor, beginner care.
- Dragonface pipefish
Same 30-gallon floor, expert care, reef caution.
Equipment that fits
- Waterbox MARINE X 60.2 Aquarium System (36 gallons)
36-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Innovative Marine 40 NUVO Mini Fusion Lagoon PRO 2 AIO with Black APS Stand
40-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
- Red Sea Reefer 200 G2+ System (42 Gal)
42-gallon display, above this animal's 30-gallon floor.
Related reading
Questions
What size tank does the orchid dottyback need?
ReefCrafter plans for at least 30 gallons, based on an adult size of about 3 inches, plus swimming room, nutrient load, and aggression margin. Use the adult size, not the size at purchase.
Is the orchid dottyback reef safe?
It is listed as reef safe in ReefCrafter's catalog. Watch for: Can harass timid fish if added too early.
Is the orchid dottyback good for beginners?
It is rated intermediate care, so most beginners should add it later, after parameters have been stable.
When should I add the orchid dottyback to my tank?
ReefCrafter treats it as middle-stage livestock, with no tank-age gate beyond a finished cycle. Add livestock slowly so nutrient export keeps up.