Orchid Dottyback and Geometric Pygmy?

kinetic · Oct 24, 2017

I have a geometric pygmy hawkfish. He usually hangs out in caves, but occasionally sits out on the rocks near my clownfish and watches them.

I have no other fish, especially ones that go in the rock.

I was thinking of adding a captive bred orchid dottyback. I like how they look, and they don't seem to be aggressive.

Any issues with a geometric hawkfish? This is a 32g display (Red Sea Reefer 170)

eatbreakfast · Oct 24, 2017

Orchid dottybacks are pretty peaceful for a dottyback, but will defend their chosen territory. As long as you have enough hiding spots for both of them, it should be fine.

kinetic · Oct 24, 2017

eatbreakfast said:
Orchid dottybacks are pretty peaceful for a dottyback, but will defend their chosen territory. As long as you have enough hiding spots for both of them, it should be fine.

Thanks! That is what I was hoping. I just don't want a dottyback that will chase the hawkfish around endlessly. The geometric hawkfish is pretty tiny, and probably would just find a different spot to hang out.

gatorbait01 · Oct 24, 2017

How much do you see your hawkfish? I want one, but read they are very cryptic. I don't see the point of getting a fish if I never get to see them.

kinetic · Oct 25, 2017

gatorbait01 said:
How much do you see your hawkfish? I want one, but read they are very cryptic. I don't see the point of getting a fish if I never get to see them.

They can be very cryptic, especially in bigger tanks. Mine hangs out just outside caves quite a bit. I was at the LFS and they had a tank of them, and I asked to see them eat. They all ate mysis but the one I chose never hid and just sat out in the open. So I got lucky and got to pick the one that seemed kind of bold.