Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

They are bold, highly active, and notoriously pugnacious. Their assertive temperament means they will readily take charge of the rockwork and chase away intruders. They make a colorful, lively, and fascinating pet for aquarists who understand and can accommodate their aggressive tendencies.

Diet

Carnivore

Their diet consists exclusively of meaty foods, mimicking their natural prey of small crustaceans. They readily accept frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and chopped seafoods, which should be their dietary staple. High-quality marine pellets can be offered but should not entirely replace frozen or live foods.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Due to their extreme territoriality, they should be kept individually. Putting two males or unsexed individuals together will inevitably lead to a fight to the death. Only a confirmed, bonded pair should ever be housed together, and even then, only in a suitably large aquarium.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

To keep their metabolism fueled and to somewhat curb their aggression, feed them two to three times daily. Meals should be small enough to be completely consumed in a few minutes. Consistent feeding is vital for maintaining their striking colors and overall vitality.

Bioload

The bioload of this fish is considered moderate and manageable in an appropriately sized marine setup. Because of their predatory habits, they require frequent feedings of high-protein foods, which can quickly foul the water if overfed. Strong biological filtration and regular water changes are key to maintaining a healthy environment.

Flow

Strong

They prefer an environment with moderate to strong water flow. The current helps keep the water well-oxygenated and encourages them to actively dart about the rockwork. Ensure there are still calm areas within the caves where they can rest undisturbed at night.

Jump risk

Yes

This species has a well-deserved reputation as an escape artist, frequently jumping when startled or aggressive. An aquarium with a tight-fitting, secure lid is absolutely mandatory for their long-term survival. Any small gaps around equipment cords or tubing must be completely sealed.

Reproduction

Not bred in captivity

Captive breeding is uncommon but achievable with specialized setups and dedicated care. They are cave spawners, where the male will guard and fan the egg mass until the larvae hatch. Raising the larvae requires immense effort and the cultivation of specific microscopic live foods.

Compatibility & tankmates

Verify

They are quite aggressive, especially towards other dottybacks, basslets, and similarly shaped fish. Small, docile species like firefish or gobies may be relentlessly bullied or even killed. To minimize issues, they should be the last addition to a tank containing larger, semi-aggressive community fish.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are bottom to mid-level dwellers, relying heavily on the live rock for shelter and territory. They will establish a 'home base' cave from which they will fiercely guard the surrounding area. They rarely swim openly in the top levels of the aquarium.