The Orchid Dottyback originally comes from the Red Sea and it used to cost much more to acquire one. In the past few years breeders have had success getting this species to breed in captivity, thereby lowering the price to around $25-$35. A true beauty in the marine trade, the lowered price tag should enable more hobbyists to enjoy Orchid Dottybacks.
If you are planning on getting an Orchid Dottyback be sure to provide plenty of hiding places to help make it feel secure. A tank containing a lot of live rock is best because they like to stake out a claim on a "cave" or a similar hiding place. Because they like to hide so much, you may only see them around feeding time. It is important to note that these Dottybacks can be aggressive when tank mates approach their "space". It is probably a good idea to only keep one of this species in your tank but many have reported success keeping them in pairs that were introduced at the same time.

For food, the orchid prefers meaty food such as brine shrimp or krill and they also will go after and eat bristleworms. They will also take flake, frozen and pellet foods.

This Dottyback is often confused with the Magenta Dottyback (Pseudochromis porphyreus) because the two do look very similar. However, the Orchid will have a black stripe through the eye while the Magenta will not.