Description
The Orchid Dottyback is one color: purple. The purple is vibrant and magnificent. In the wild, they appear to be bluer because the water filters out red light. There is some variation of purple throughout the fish, making it even more spectacular. On the face is a small black stripe that goes through the eye and ends shortly after. The specimens sold here are captive-bred by ORA, but they are originally from the Red Sea. This fish is best kept in a tank with plenty of rockwork filled with great hiding spaces. You can keep more than one per tank as long as they have enough hiding spaces. Also, ensure to add them at the same time to decrease the chances of issues with the territory. The Orchid Dottyback has an aggressive nature, so it may chase a smaller fish from time to time but should not be too much of an issue. It will especially defend its hiding place from intruders. Watching them go in and out of their caves is always a fun thing to watch.
Care Requirements
- Purchase Size: 1.25 – 1.5″
- Feeding: Carnivore. Feed meaty foods. If you can, feed live foods for a healthier more vibrant fish.
- Water Parameters: ~78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Reef safe: Yes
- Color: Bright purple with small black stripe on the face
More Information
Captive-bred fish, such as this Orchid Dottyback, have many benefits to both you and the ocean. The wild-caught trade is harmful to the ocean and its reefs, but captive-bred fish prove to be better alternatives. Captive-bred Orchid Dottybacks are more disease resilient, hardier, better able to handle the stress of shipping, and better adapted to aquarium life than their wild-caught counterparts. By purchasing captive-bred fish you are helping the ocean by discouraging the wild-caught trade while supporting the captive-bred industry, making our hobby more sustainable.
