Orchid Dottyback not Purple...How do I know?

[blackcows]

In my many years of keeping saltwater fish I have learning many things the hard way. At one time I had a Purple Dottyback in my tank and he was an absolute terror, I tore apart my reef to get him out. I would really like to add a purple fish to my tank and am considering an Orchid Dottyback, from what I read this fish is much more peaceful than the Purple. If I am purchasing local, other than trusting the LFS, how do you tell the two fish apart?

 

[gbru316]

Orchid:

Purple:

 

[blackcows]

Thanks...I had seen the pictures before and based on the pictures the fish should be fairly easy to distinguish. Is this true in real life? Looks like the Purple is a much brighter purple and the orchid has a distinct black line on the head.

 

[gbru316]

Thanks...I had seen the pictures before and based on the pictures the fish should be fairly easy to distinguish. Is this true in real life? Looks like the Purple is a much brighter purple and the orchid has a distinct black line on the head.

I'd pay more attention to the black line and fin shape/size (specifically, dorsal and anal) than color. Color can be deceiving.

 

[blackcows]

Thanks....would it be fair to say that the Orchid would be a much more peaceful fish than the Purple?

 

[prox]

i have trio in my tank and they dont disturb other fishes except similar shape but nothing serious. Usually the 2 biggest orchid will fight among themselves but so far all doing good.

 

[falconut]

Definitely go by the dorsal fin and black line, some of the Orchids I've seen were just as purple. They're supposed to be more peaceful, but never had one. Did have a Purple and it was as you decribed, a nasty fish.

Another option for some purple could be a Royal Gramma. Not all purple, but half purple and yellow. The ones I've owned have been very peaceful. The most they do is open their mouths to scare other fish away from their holes, but that's about it.