orchid dottyback?

hey everyone! I was thinking of getting an orchid dotty back as the last fish in my 40b, but Ive heard very conflicting info about them. I currently have a pair of clowns, a blue-green chromis, a tailspot blenny, a barnacle blenny, and yellow watchman. What do you think? If no, any other suggestions?

 

I wouldn't you seem to be stocked imo.

 

+1 gettin' a lil full there.

 

thank you vinny and chance for your answer. I would appreciate if you could tell me why. The blennies and the watchman stay in pretty much their rock/barnacle/caves exclusively, except for feeding time. The clowns chill out in their frogspawn (completely ignoring the lovely RBTA I bought them). The only active fish is the chromis. We were interested in another fish to get some movement in the tank. We aren't stuck on the idea of another fish. Thanks for the further enlightenment

 

Consider this.In a 40 gallon tank with rocks,sand,fish,ph's, filters,etc. you may have 30 gallons of water.Your fish may not move around because they can't. They know which fish to avoid so they avoid them. Just from the perspective of water quality keeping a low stock level is key to longterm success ime. Dottybacks can be very grumpy especially in small systems.Remember aggression between fish is NOT always easily observed and is not solely a chase and bite scenario.

 

The dottyback would most likely claim the rockwork as his...all of it.The blennies and watchman would more than likely be harrassed...alot.

 

I agree. A fish or two should go if you want the Dottyback. Are you looking for more swimming action with some color? You have 3 perchers albeit interesting ones but not highly active except for the tail spot.

The clowns could probably hold their own as well as the watchman, the others I am doubtful of.

 

You could always get a porcelain crab and emerald crab. Its like where's Waldo in my tank everyday with those two plus when looking for them i always find something new. Just a thought. Plus the porcelain crab is fun to watch when eating

 

Agreed, except I'm not so sure the clowns would be ok.

I've had one dottyback-- it was the last fish in the tank. As mentioned, it claimed all of the rockwork almost immediately, and not only did it bully the clowns and damsels, but even dwarf angels that were nearly twice his size, which until then, had held their own against the damsels.

Oh BTW, the only time it came out of it's cave was at feeding time or to chase another fish away from the rocks.

 

I disagree with everyone on the fridimani psuedochromis personality, but I've always had one while i've been in the hobby. They are a very peaceful fish and I've never had one even chase another fish. Most dottys are pretty aggressive, but there is a reason this is one of the most captive bred fish in the world.

That being said I think you are too well stocked to advocate adding any more fish and am surprised the blenny get along. If you pulled the chromis or the watchman I think it could be successful.