Neon Dottybacks (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) are gorgeous saltwater fish with orange, yellow, blue, and black colorations on its body. Their vibrant colors make them an excellent addition to a saltwater fish tank.
They spend much of their time hanging around live rock which they call home. They are known to be semi-aggressive fish and will likely defend their territory from most fish. I will go into more depth on this later. This guide will discuss aquarium requirements, dietary needs, tank mates, and more for the Neon Dottyback.
Aquarium Requirements
Neon Dottybacks will grow to about 4 inches when fully grown. They should do well in fish tanks that are 30 gallons or larger. It is recommended to keep varying-sized live rock in your fish tank to provide different-sized nooks for this species of fish. This will give them space to set up a territory or a space to seek refuge when stressed. Also, more hiding spaces will provide refuge for other fish, because the Neon Dottyback can be semi-aggressive.
I recommend providing a well-fitted lid on your fish tank because Neon Dottybacks may jump out of the aquarium when spooked. Fish somehow manage to squeeze through the smallest hole when they decide to jump.
Is the Neon Dottyback Reef Safe?
Yes, Neon Dottybacks are considered reef-safe. They are safe with coral, but they will likely eat very small shrimp such as Sexy Shrimp. Cleaner Shrimp and Fire Shrimp should do well with this fish.
Water Parameters
The Neon Dottyback can be kept in aquariums with water temperatures between 72° and 78°F. I recommend dialing in that temperature a bit more and keeping it between 76° and 78°F. The dKH levels can sit anywhere between 8 and 12. If this is a reef tank, your coral selection may determine the dKH level you’ll be shooting for. The pH in the aquarium should be anywhere between 8.1 and 8.4. Lastly, the salinity levels should sit between 1.020 and 1.025 sg. You’ll likely keep it on the higher end if your aquarium has corals. There are many tools to test the salinity levels of your aquarium water. Check out Different Salinity Reading Tools For Saltwater Fish Tank to learn more.
Food & Diet
These fish are carnivorous. They will require a diet that provides a lot of protein. They will enjoy foods such as Mysis Shrimp, Brine Shrimp, Krill, and more. I wouldn’t stop there. Providing a varied diet to your fish will help them in the long run. I recommend giving them pellet food and flake food as a supplement. Foods have varying levels of nutrients and it can only benefit your fish to give them a variety in their diets.
Tank Mates
If you’re looking to add a Neon Dottyback to your fish tank, consider adding it last. They are known to be territorial and may defend their space relentlessly. Neon Dottybacks will especially chase after fish similarly shaped to themselves. Other Dottybacks and Wrasses may have a hard time with this fish, especially in smaller aquariums. Larger aquariums and extra live rock will help spread out territories.
They should do well in fish tanks with Clownfish, Dwarf Angelfish, Tangs, Foxface/Rabbitfish, and Gobies. Again, I would recommend adding them later due to their temperament.
Breeding
Due to their vibrant personalities, it is not recommended to keep this fish with other Dottybacks. That makes breeding nearly impossible in most home aquarium settings.
Final Notes
Neon Dottybacks are great fish to keep if you understand how aggressive they may be. Their coloration makes them a very interesting addition to a reef tank or saltwater aquarium. Consider picking them up, they are commonly found in fish stores and can be purchased online. If this one doesn’t catch your eye, check out more Dottybacks by following the link provided.
Image by Haplochromis on wikiMedia
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