Pseudochromis fridmani
| Latin name | Pseudochromis fridmani - Klausewitz, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Local name | Orchid Dottyback |
| Family | Pseudochromidae - Pseudochromis |
| Origin | The Red Sea |
| Max length | 6 cm (2.4") |
| Minimum volume |
50 l (13 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Hardy
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable with care
|
| Reef safe |
Reef safe with caution
|
| Aggressiveness | Might be aggressive towards other species |
| Recommended |
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...) Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...) |
|---|---|
| Mostly |
Larger crustaceans (Shrimp, crabs...) |
This species is known to jump out of open aquaria.
This species can be a threat towards small crustaceans, e.g. small shrimp.
This species must be fed with an appropriately varied diet.
This species needs good hiding places, for example, between live rocks.
This species can live with many of its own kind, when provided with enough space.
This species is very shy and docile, so one should be careful when keeping it with more aggressive fish.
This species can change gender from female to male.
When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.
This species can be bred in captivity, one can therefore consider asking your local fish store for a captive bred specimen.
This species can be aggressive when kept together with fish that are very similar, or if they are not provided with adequate space.
Dottybacks (Pseudochromidae) are often very colourful, rather hardy and relatively small, typically under 4 inch (10 cm). These fish can be distinguished from other fish by looking at the shape of the eye, see for example the picture of this: Hawkfish, Surgeonfish, Rabbitfish, Angelfish, Triggerfish, Clown/ Damselfish or Pufferfish.
Dottybacks will compete for food with other fish which eat zooplankton off the rocks. Mandarinfish and similar species can find it difficult to get enough food if kept together with Dottybacks.
One could consider the Gramma species, if one wishes a similar fish which is more peaceful.
| Aquarium trade | Yes |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Western Indian Ocean: known only from the Red Sea. |
| English common names |
Orchid dottyback |
| French common names |
Pseudochromis de Mer Rouge |
Henry C. Schultz. 2002. The Dottybacks - Reefkeeping - (English)
Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. The Dottybacks, Family Pseudochromidae - Wet Web Media - (English)
Collection of links to additional information - Wet Web Media - (English)