Which dottyback would be better?

[JaneG]

Hello everyone! I am considering adding a dottyback to my peaceful reef, so I would either go with an Orchid Dottyback or an Elongated dottyback (not as well known, but supposedly very peaceful). It's a nano tank, and I'm also planning on a yellowhead jawfish (which are semi-prone to being bullied). Additionally, either would be from ORA as I have heard captive bred dottybacks are much more peaceful. It would also be the final addition to curb any potential aggression. Has anyone had experience with the elongated, and if so would it be a better match than the more commonly known Orchid dottyback? Thanks! :wave:

 

[Grouperhead]

Orchid's are extremely calm as far as dottybacks go, but I still don't know if I'd mix one with a jawfish in a "nano" tank. What size tank is it anyway?

Here's a (bad) picture of my elegant. Pushing 3.5"

 

[Curious George]

I would go with the orchid. They seem more docile then the others. I had a splendid dottyback that was the meanest fish ever. This thing would fight fish 3's its size. It had to go. Upset everyone in the tank.

 

[Grassroots]

Pseudochromis should not be added with peaceful fish unless in a large aquarium IMO.

Look into Assessors if you like small interesting fish. Another types would include Candy Hogfish, Chalk Bass, and Basslets.

 

[JaneG]

Pseudochromis should not be added with peaceful fish unless in a large aquarium IMO.

Look into Assessors if you like small interesting fish. Another types would include Candy Hogfish, Chalk Bass, and Basslets.

Don't candy hogfish have a reputation for getting quite nasty after becoming established? I was originally planning on one, but once I researched them I decided against it for that reason. I also haven't really heard of orchid dottybacks getting aggressive (even after researching it). Has anyone had a nasty one? I also don't see why it would get too aggressive to the jawfish, mainly because they occupy different areas of the tank and eat (for the most part) different foods in the wild. It's a 20g tank with a 20g sump- I'm following Scott Michael's Reef Fishes for tank size recommendations, but I'm now even starting to doubt adding one at all.

 

[Grassroots]

Don't candy hogfish have a reputation for getting quite nasty after becoming established? I was originally planning on one, but once I researched them I decided against it for that reason. I also haven't really heard of orchid dottybacks getting aggressive (even after researching it). Has anyone had a nasty one? I also don't see why it would get too aggressive to the jawfish, mainly because they occupy different areas of the tank and eat (for the most part) different foods in the wild. It's a 20g tank with a 20g sump- I'm following Scott Michael's Reef Fishes for tank size recommendations, but I'm now even starting to doubt adding one at all.

I had a candy hog for about 2 years granted in a larger tank then what you have (29g) and the only thing he did was eat a sexy shrimp that was too small to placed in the tank anyways. It didn't show aggression towards its tank mates at all and was a model citizen (except to a 1/4inch sexy shrimp). You tank might be a tad small but my other two suggestions will fit the bill but if you must have a Pseudochromis be ready to remove it if it does become aggressive.

 

[velvetelvis]

I wouldn't do it in a 20G. IME, orchid dottybacks aren't aggressive, but they are quite territorial. With such a small footprint, there isn't going to be much clearance between the jawfish's burrow and the dottyback's territory (which will pretty much be all of your live rock)--which will lead to the jawfish being continually harassed as the dottyback tries to drive him away. On top of that, jawfish are easily stressed and notorious jumpers.

 

[Authentic]

Had a purple dotty back that was a menace when I tried. To add another fish.finally got him out and went for a yellow assessor.very cool they swim upside down and are like the dotty back because they like to swim in the rocks

 

[Bmgrocks]

ever look into the springers dottyback? great fish, similar temperament to the the orchid, and an overall refreshing change.

had one...and he went carpet surfing.