Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

They are extremely bold, highly intelligent, and notoriously aggressive for their size. They will fiercely defend their chosen territory against any intruder, regardless of size. Because of their belligerent nature, they should be the last addition to the aquarium.

Diet

Carnivore

They are voracious carnivores that feed on small crustaceans and zooplankton in the wild. In the home aquarium, they eagerly accept frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality carnivore pellets. A varied meaty diet is necessary to maintain their striking neon coloration.

Sex ratio

Solitary

They are fiercely territorial and should be kept singly in most aquariums. Keeping a pair requires a very large tank and the pair must be bonded. Attempting to keep multiple unbonded individuals will invariably lead to a fight to the death.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feeding them one to two times a day is generally adequate. They are highly active hunters and will constantly scour the rockwork for small pods and bristle worms. Supplementing their diet ensures they don't overly deplete the tank's natural microfauna.

Bioload

The Neon Dottyback produces a relatively low bioload. They are small and active, meaning their waste production is easily handled by standard biological filtration. Routine weekly water changes are sufficient to maintain optimal water quality.

Flow

Strong

They are very adaptable and will do well in moderate to strong water flow. They naturally navigate through the surging currents of rocky reefs. Ensuring good water movement helps simulate their natural environment and keeps the tank clean.

Jump risk

Yes

Like most dottybacks, they are very capable jumpers when startled or in pursuit of prey. A tightly fitted lid or mesh cover is absolutely necessary to prevent them from escaping. Ensure there are no small gaps around filters or overflow boxes.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are demersal spawners, laying adhesive eggs in a hidden cave or crevice. The male will vigorously guard and aerate the egg mass until they hatch. They have been successfully bred in captivity, though raising the microscopic fry requires dedicated effort and specialized foods.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

They are completely reef safe with corals but will aggressively hunt ornamental shrimp and small crabs. They can be highly aggressive towards small, peaceful fish like firefish or gobies. They must be housed with robust, semi-aggressive tank mates that can stand their ground.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They spend almost all of their time darting through the rockwork in the lower to middle levels of the aquarium. They are very closely tied to the aquascape and rarely venture far into open water. Ample caves, tunnels, and crevices are an absolute requirement for them to thrive.