Recommendations for a Dottyback ??

[Vixen498150]

As of today, My 55 gallon FOWLR is cycling and I am preparing my stocking list.

So far this is my desired list:
2 Ocellaris Clowns
1 Kaudern’s Cardinal
1 fire fish
1 R. Gramma Basslet
3 Sapphire damsels
Clean up crew and invertebrates: Blue leg hermits, Nassarius snails, Peppermint shrimp, Pin cushion urchin and serpent sea star.

However, I would LOVE to have a dotty back or another compatible member who can help me control bristle worms (thinking ahead) . I was thinking maybe an Orchid, Yellow, Neon or Splendid... any recommendations?

 

[Old Fritz]

Orchid dottybacks are considered the most peaceful out of most dottybacks. However i had one that bullied the heck out of my firefish, and the firefish was easily twice the length. However that was a relatively small tank so that was probably the cause. Orchid dottybacks are pretty good looking. Recently purple dottybacks have grown on me more than the orchids, they are easier to see due to their lighter color. However it is all kinda personal preference. Just know that these guys can be jerks

 

[mystersyster]

I would pick a Royal gramma or dottyback. There is a high probability of fighting between the two as they are similar species. In a 55 with PLENTY of hiding places it may be possible, but you have to weigh what is fair to the fishes. Sounds like you are leaning towards dottybacks anyway.

 

[kristinarenee]

I had an orchid and a neon I quaranteened together. The neon chased the orchid for a couple weeks nipping at her tail after introducing them to the tank. After that they got along fine and we always together. It's probably a chance if you get more than one but if you do put them in at the same time.

 

[mystersyster]

I had an orchid and a neon I quaranteened together. The neon chased the orchid for a couple weeks nipping at her tail after introducing them to the tank. After that they got along fine and we always together. It's probably a chance if you get more than one but if you do put them in at the same time.

+1

Just understand one may kill another.

 

[kristinarenee]

+1

Just understand one may kill another.

They have been in the same tank about 6 months now.

 

[Oshengems]

I have a purple dottyback royal gramma and purple fire fish in a 75g but I have plenty of coverage and hideouts for them and my other fishes that helps with the aggression I also feed 3 times a day pellets automatic then frozen when I’m home, this reduces fighting even more few weeks of heavy feeding so they know this ain’t the hunger games. I was feeding once a day avoiding nitrates po4 but my fishes were all fighting too much for my comfort

 

[Vixen498150]

I would pick a Royal gramma or dottyback. There is a high probability of fighting between the two as they are similar species. In a 55 with PLENTY of hiding places it may be possible, but you have to weigh what is fair to the fishes. Sounds like you are leaning towards dottybacks anyway.

Well I’ve heard of Royal Gramma’s taking out Nassarius snails if they get hungry enough and I definitely don’t want that so yes, I was leaning more towards dotty backs... is it possible to keep two of the same species in the tank? 2 gobies or 2 dottybacks or will they fight over territory

 

[Vixen498150]

I have a purple dottyback royal gramma and purple fire fish in a 75g but I have plenty of coverage and hideouts for them and my other fishes that helps with the aggression I also feed 3 times a day pellets automatic then frozen when I’m home, this reduces fighting even more few weeks of heavy feeding so they know this ain’t the hunger games. I was feeding once a day avoiding nitrates po4 but my fishes were all fighting too much for my comfort

I bought Seachem marine flakes and a turkey Baster to feed anything big to keep water parameters good