Orchid Dottyback

The Orchid Dottyback is a captivating species endemic to the Red Sea, prized for its stunning, uniform purple coloration that ranges from a rich magenta to a deep violet. This small but vibrant fish has become one of the most popular dottybacks in the marine hobby, in large part due to the wide availability of captive-bred specimens that are hardier and less aggressive than their wild-caught counterparts.

Unlike many dottybacks that can be highly territorial and aggressive, the Orchid Dottyback is considered one of the more manageable members of its family. While it can be semi-aggressive, particularly toward similar-looking or similarly-sized fish, its temperament is considerably milder than species like the Strawberry Dottyback. Captive-bred individuals are typically even more docile, making them a reasonable choice for community reef aquariums.

In the wild, Orchid Dottybacks inhabit vertical reef walls and overhangs, darting in and out of crevices as they hunt tiny crustaceans. In the aquarium, they appreciate plenty of rockwork with caves and hiding spots. They are hardy, disease-resistant, and readily accept prepared foods. As a bonus, they will actively hunt and consume small bristleworms, helping to control these pests in the reef aquarium.