Neon Dottyback - Captive Bred

Neon Dottyback: The Bold Bristleworm Hunter

The Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis), also frequently called the Arabian Dottyback or Orange Dottyback, is a strikingly colored and robust marine fish. Native to the western Indian Ocean, this species is highly popular in the aquarium trade, with most available specimens being captive-bred, which significantly improves hardiness and adaptability.

The Neon Dottyback features a bright yellow to vivid orange body contrasted by a brilliant, iridescent neon-blue horizontal stripe that runs from its snout, across the top of its body, and into the dorsal and caudal (tail) fins. While small, reaching a maximum size of about 4 inches (10 cm), this fish has a bold and territorial personality, making it a great feature fish for a properly stocked aquarium.

Due to its territorial nature, this Dottyback should be kept in a minimum 30-gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock to establish its own territory. It is also an avid predator of nuisance bristleworms, making it a highly desirable addition for reef keepers looking for a natural pest control solution.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Neon Dottyback is a dedicated Carnivore and an opportunistic hunter. It will readily accept a varied diet of high-quality, meaty frozen foods, such as Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It will also accept premium marine pellets and flakes.
• Feeding: Feed 2-3 times daily in small amounts that can be consumed quickly. Consistent feeding helps mitigate aggressive tendencies.
• Reef Compatibility: It is Reef Safe With Caution. While it will not bother corals, caution is necessary as the Neon Dottyback is known to hunt and consume small ornamental shrimp (like sexy shrimp or anemone shrimp). However, its habit of eating pest bristleworms is often seen as a benefit that outweighs the risk to smaller inverts.
• Temperament: It is Semi-Aggressive / Territorial. This fish will fiercely defend its established territory (usually a cave or patch of rock) against any fish it perceives as a threat, especially smaller, peaceful, or similar-looking species. It is best introduced as the last fish into a tank and housed with moderately aggressive, robust, and larger tankmates such as Tangs, larger Angelfish, and Hawkfish. Only one Dottyback should be kept per tank unless a bonded pair is acquired for a large system.
• Aquarium Note: Like many Dottybacks, this fish is an excellent jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is required.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudochromis aldabraensis
• Primary Common Name: Neon Dottyback
• Other Common Names: Arabian Dottyback, Orange Dottyback, Blue-lined Dottyback
• Origin: Indian Ocean (Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Aldabra Islands) - Most are Captive-Bred
• Max Size: 3.5-4 inches (9-10 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Eats Bristleworms)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May eat small shrimp)