King Solomon (Pseudochromis fridmani) belongs to the group of dwarf perch. Its habitat includes the coasts of the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, where it likes to hang out on coral reefs.
The slender dwarf perch impresses with its dazzling appearance: it is conspicuous violet and thus an eye-catcher as well as a pleasant color accent in every coral tank. The fish is robust, hardly susceptible to disease and relatively insensitive to fluctuating water quality, which is why keeping it is also suitable for beginners. Important: Like all dwarf perch, P. fridmani is an excellent jumper. The aquarium must therefore be well covered.
The gender differences
Pseudochromis fridmani are gender changers (hermaphrodites) and can therefore change their sex over the course of life. In a group, the largest and most dominant fish develops into a male, which can then often be identified by the «sword» on the lower part of its caudal fin. The females, on the other hand, are not only smaller, but also have a rounder physique.
Things worth knowing about rearing
Since the dwarf perch is a peace-loving hermaphrodite, a pair is always formed from two young animals. Changes in the fish take place shortly after pair formation: the less dominant animal develops a spawning approach and becomes rounder, while the lower caudal fin of the more dominant one stretches. The animals are now sexually mature and the male begins to court the female. The spawn is laid in a cave and from then on is guarded and cared for by the male. To relocate the larvae to a breeding tank, they can be lured in with a weak light source and then skimmed off.
A tank size of around 30 liters initially offers the larvae enough space. Brachionus is suitable as a first feed, from the ninth day Artemia nauplii are also a welcome meal. After about 25 days, the larvae begin to transform into a fish – a process that can take up to two weeks. It is important to provide the hatchlings with plenty of hiding spots so that they can settle safely on the bottom once the withdrawal from the open water begins.
socialization
The Pseudochromis fridmani is flexible when it comes to living together with its fellow fish: it gets along well as a solitary fish, but also quickly finds its way into a pair or group. Larger groups with one male form a harem community, for which an aquarium with a volume of at least 300 liters is recommended – this gives the fast swimmers enough space. When the fish is not defending its territory, it always behaves peacefully towards other species of fish.
Further questions
What is the Pseudochromis fridmani x sankeyi hybrid?
As the name suggests, the Pseudochromis fridmani x sankeyi hybrid is a crossbreed of the species Pseudochromis fridmani and Pseudochromis sankeyi. It is the first hybrid dwarf perch and is colloquially called «Indigo Damselfish». The name comes from its deep, iridescent bluish hue.