Dottybacks

Colorful, Hardy Reef-Safe Fish

Dottybacks are small, brightly colored saltwater fish prized for their hardiness, personality, and ability to thrive in reef environments. These compact fish bring brilliant color and movement to marine aquariums and are ideal for both beginners and experienced reef keepers.

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Members of the Pseudochromidae family, Dottybacks are native to coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Despite their small size, they display bold personalities and adapt easily to aquarium life. Their vivid purples, yellows, and blues make them standout additions to any saltwater setup.

At AquariumFish.com, we offer a variety of Dottybacks for sale, including popular species like the Orchid Dottyback and Neon Dottyback, as well as rare hybrids and captive-bred varieties. All are acclimated for home aquariums and shipped overnight to ensure health and color vibrancy.

Why Choose Dottybacks?

  • Brilliant coloration and high activity level
  • Hardy and easy to care for — great starter saltwater fish
  • Reef-safe with most corals and invertebrates
  • Captive-bred options available for sustainable stocking

Care Tips for Dottybacks

  • Keep in tanks 30 gallons or larger with rockwork for shelter and territory
  • Feed a diet of meaty foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and high-quality marine pellets
  • Maintain stable salinity (1.023–1.026) and temperature (76–80°F)
  • Provide multiple hiding places to reduce aggression and stress

Popular Dottyback Species We Offer

  • Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) – vivid purple coloration; peaceful and reef-safe
  • Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) – electric orange and blue body; hardy and active
  • Springeri Dottyback (Pseudochromis springeri) – black body with blue accents; captive-bred and reef-safe
  • Bicolor Dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae) – half purple, half yellow; striking contrast and personality
  • Sunrise Dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) – yellow front and purple tail; peaceful and adaptable

Dottybacks are best kept singly in smaller aquariums but can coexist peacefully with other community reef fish in larger setups. Their bold colors and confident behavior make them excellent display fish for aquarists seeking a lively yet manageable marine species.


Dottyback FAQs

Are Dottybacks reef-safe?
Yes — most Dottybacks are reef-safe and coexist peacefully with corals and invertebrates. Just avoid housing them with very small shrimp or timid nano fish in tight spaces.
Can I keep more than one Dottyback?
In smaller tanks, it’s best to keep only one Dottyback per aquarium, as they can be territorial. Larger tanks with plenty of rockwork can support multiple individuals of different species.
Are Dottybacks good for beginners?
Yes — Dottybacks are hardy, colorful, and forgiving of minor water fluctuations, making them a great choice for new saltwater aquarists.

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