Orchid dottyback compatibility?

jasonrusso · Sep 16, 2018

I have a 32 gallon red sea. I have 2 midnight clowns, a blue spot goby, and 1 firefish (was 2 firefish but one died, got killed by the evil pistol shrimp, etc). I want to replace the firefish, but I read that you can't add another firefish. They need to be bonded.

I was at the LFS today, and he had a few captive bred orchid dottybacks (they are orchids, they have the stripe over their eyes). From what I can research, the orchids are the most peaceful, the yellow and magenta are aggressive. Has anyone kept one of these? Any issues with my stock list? I know clowns can be a problem, but mine keep to themselves and don't bother the firefish or the goby.

norfolkgarden · Sep 16, 2018

The orchids are absolutely beautiful!
They are the least evil of the dottybacks.
It's kind of like describing the least evil damsel fish.
[emoji6]

A Royal gramma would be a better compatibility choice and you have room from maybe one more small fish later on in that 32 gallon tank.
It is kind of a toss up which will be less of a problem later to the new fish.
How small is the orchid?
Tiny helps with this.

Mikedawg · Sep 16, 2018

I've got both a Royal Gramma and an Orchid Dottyback in a tank with two clowns and no problem behaviors. Plenty of hiding spaces seems to be important in supporting their compatibility. BTW, I also have a orange back fairy wrasse in with them and get some spectacular color contrasts with the purples and oranges...………….and I'm not an LSU fan!

jasonrusso · Sep 16, 2018

norfolkgarden said:
The orchids are absolutely beautiful!
They are the least evil of the dottybacks.
It's kind of like describing the least evil damsel fish.
[emoji6]

A Royal gramma would be a better compatibility choice and you have room from maybe one more small fish later on in that 32 gallon tank.
It is kind of a toss up which will be less of a problem later to the new fish.
How small is the orchid?
Tiny helps with this.

I've heard the grammas could be a problem.

The orchid is about an inch and a half. The same size as the firefish.

Mikedawg · Sep 16, 2018

Royal Grammas are pretty good at bluffing in my experience, opening their mouths fully and posturing. But, I've never seen one attack another fish of approximately the same size.

OrionN · Sep 16, 2018

Either Royal Gramma or Orcid dottyback would be fine. Royal Gramma are all bark with no bite, but will loose color in captivity. Orchid Dottyback is a better choice. They are docile and will never bother any other fish. They will retain their brilliance color if you give them reasonable diet. You can keep two orchid dottyback and they will change sex as needed to form a pair.

eatbreakfast · Sep 17, 2018

While they are perhaps the most peaceful dottyback, it will still claim a territory and defend it. This is more of an issue in a smaller tank. The orchid may or may not be a problem for the firefish.

4FordFamily · Sep 17, 2018

eatbreakfast said:
While they are perhaps the most peaceful dottyback, it will still claim a territory and defend it. This is more of an issue in a smaller tank. The orchid may or may not be a problem for the firefish.

My thoughts exactly. Any slender dottyback shaped fish could be an issue. Some more fragile wrasse may not fare well with them either.

Personally I’ve seen little aggression from dottybacks but their aggression is well-documented. My orchid is pretty timid but it’s small and with a myriad of larger, more intimidating fish.

nhlives · Sep 17, 2018

4FordFamily said:
My thoughts exactly. Any slender dottyback shaped fish could be an issue. Some more fragile wrasse may not fare well with them either.

Personally I’ve seen little aggression from dottybacks but their aggression is well-documented. My orchid is pretty timid but it’s small and with a myriad of larger, more intimidating fish.

My ORA Splendid Dottyback will defend his “cave” mainly against the Aiptasia Eating Filefish. The Filefish just shows his sandpaper sides and holds his own. However, I have decided against adding any other species except for perhaps a bottom goby. This is for a 60 cube. Bottom line, the dottybacks are pretty ornery critters.

OrionN · Sep 17, 2018

I keep pair Orchid Dottyback with harem of Royal Gramma (4) in a 65 with no problem.
I have never keep them in smaller thank that that.

eatbreakfast · Sep 17, 2018

Grammas are better at taking care of themselves than firefish are. While generally a more peaceful dottyback, orchids are still capable of bullying or taking advantage of more timid fish.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/orchid-dottyback-stole-jawfish-burrow.440778/#post-5030290

norfolkgarden · Sep 17, 2018

OrionN said:
I keep pair Orchid Dottyback with harem of Royal Gramma (4) in a 65 with no problem.
I have never keep them in smaller thank that that.

Sounds beautiful!

How long have you had the groups?
Do you have a lot of rock in the tank?

Jesterrace · Sep 17, 2018

jasonrusso said:
I have a 32 gallon red sea. I have 2 midnight clowns, a blue spot goby, and 1 firefish (was 2 firefish but one died, got killed by the evil pistol shrimp, etc). I want to replace the firefish, but I read that you can't add another firefish. They need to be bonded.

I was at the LFS today, and he had a few captive bred orchid dottybacks (they are orchids, they have the stripe over their eyes). From what I can research, the orchids are the most peaceful, the yellow and magenta are aggressive. Has anyone kept one of these? Any issues with my stock list? I know clowns can be a problem, but mine keep to themselves and don't bother the firefish or the goby.

In a 32 gallon cube, there might be some issues with the firefish. Orchids are considered the best of the Dottybacks but they can still be assertive and Firefish are arguably the most skittish fish in the hobby. I agree with eatbreakfast, the Royal Gramma is much more capable of taking care of itself than the firefish. Firefish are beautiful, but they almost ask to be bullied by being scared of their own shadow. It's one of the reasons I will never own another dartfish again (used to have a Purple Firefish and a Scissortail).

jasonrusso · Sep 17, 2018

Jesterrace said:
In a 32 gallon cube, there might be some issues with the firefish. Orchids are considered the best of the Dottybacks but they can still be assertive and Firefish are arguably the most skittish fish in the hobby. I agree with eatbreakfast, the Royal Gramma is much more capable of taking care of itself than the firefish. Firefish are beautiful, but they almost ask to be bullied by being scared of their own shadow. It's one of the reasons I will never own another dartfish again (used to have a Purple Firefish and a Scissortail).

Maybe I got a good firefish, but he doesn't even hide when I put my hands in the tank for maintenance.

Jesterrace · Sep 17, 2018

jasonrusso said:
Maybe I got a good firefish, but he doesn't even hide when I put my hands in the tank for maintenance.

That's very bold for a firefish. Maybe you got one of the rare ones that will hold it's own.

jasonrusso · Sep 17, 2018

Jesterrace said:
That's very bold for a firefish. Maybe you got one of the rare ones that will hold it's own.

Personally, I was surprised as well.

DeniseAndy · Sep 17, 2018

Not sure about the orchid, but I had three indigos for years and they were very good with each other and everyone in the tank. They were all added together as juveniles.