Dottybacks, members of the family Pseudochromidae, are small, vibrantly colored saltwater fish celebrated for their bold personalities and exceptional hardiness. Typically reaching between 2 and 4 inches in length. Dottybacks are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and “electric” hues ranging from deep magentas and neons to striking bicolors. Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, they are masters of the “dash and hide” lifestyle. They spend much of their time navigating the complex network of caves and crevices in rockwork. This makes them highly entertaining to watch, though their quick movements and tendency to remain near cover mean they require an aquarium with plenty of live rock to feel secure.
While their beauty is undeniable, dottybacks are notorious for their aggressive and territorial temperament, often picking fights with individuals well above their weight class. They are fierce protectors of their chosen “dens”. They can be particularly hostile toward fish with similar body shapes, such as royal grammas or other dottybacks. In terms of reef compatibility, they are generally safe with corals but are dedicated carnivores that may prey on small ornamental shrimp or tiny invertebrates. Despite this feisty nature, they are excellent candidates for many saltwater setups because they are easy to feed with meaty frozen or flake foods, and often help control aquarium pests like bristle worms.
This table shows most species of Dottybacks available in this hobby.
| wdt_ID | wdt_created_by | wdt_created_at | wdt_last_edited_by | wdt_last_edited_at | Name | Minimum Aquarium Size (gallons) | Temperament | Reef Compatible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Bicolor Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 2 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Black Neon Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 3 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Electric Indigo Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 4 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Neon Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 5 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Orchid Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 6 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Purple Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 7 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Purple Stripe Dottyback | 30 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 8 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Red Spotted Dottyback | 55 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 9 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Ring Eyed Dottyback | 10 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| 10 | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Atparium | 01/03/2025 06:24 AM | Splendid Dottyback | 55 | Semi-Aggressive | Yes |
| Name | Minimum Aquarium Size (gallons) | Temperament |
Orchid Dottyback – Complete Care Guide
Bicolor Dottyback – Complete Care Guide
Neon Dottyback – Complete Care Guide
