Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Territorial

They exhibit a bold, aggressive, and highly territorial temperament. They act much larger than their physical size and are not afraid to challenge bigger intruders. Their feisty personality requires careful selection of tank mates but makes them a lively addition to the right setup.

Diet

Carnivore

A varied, meaty diet is essential to keep this active predator healthy and colorful. They should be fed a mix of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, and chopped marine meats. High-quality carnivore pellets are a good supplement but should not replace frozen or live foods.

Sex ratio

Solitary

They should strictly be kept individually due to severe, often lethal, conspecific aggression. Two males or unsexed individuals will fight relentlessly until one is killed. Only confirmed, bonded pairs should be kept together, and only in a sufficiently large aquarium.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

To support their high metabolism, feed them small portions two to three times a day. Frequent feedings help keep their energy levels up and can slightly reduce their aggressive tendencies. Ensure all food is consumed within a few minutes to prevent it from fouling the water.

Bioload

This fish has a moderate bioload that is straightforward to manage in an established aquarium. Their carnivorous diet means they produce protein-rich waste, requiring effective skimming and biological filtration. Regular maintenance and water changes will easily mitigate their impact on water quality.

Flow

Stagnant

They prefer moderate to strong water movement, which simulates the dynamic reef environments they come from. Good flow keeps the water well-oxygenated and encourages their natural darting swimming style. They will use the rockwork to find calmer areas when they need to rest.

Jump risk

Yes

Like all dottybacks, they are excellent jumpers and represent a significant escape risk. A tight-fitting lid or fine mesh screen is an absolute necessity to keep them safely in the tank. Jumping is often triggered by startling movements or aggression from other fish.

Reproduction

Oviparous

Captive breeding is possible but represents a significant challenge for the aquarist. The male will prepare a nesting cave and aggressively guard the eggs until the larvae hatch. Raising the microscopic fry is the hardest part, requiring specialized live foods like rotifers.

Compatibility & tankmates

Verify

They are semi-aggressive and will vigorously defend their chosen territory in the live rock. They should not be kept with peaceful, timid, or slow-moving fish, which they will inevitably harass. They fare best when housed with robust tank mates like dwarf angelfish, tangs, and larger wrasses.

Tank level

Middle/Bottom

They are predominantly bottom to mid-level dwellers, relying heavily on the live rock structure. They establish a specific cave or crevice as their home base and patrol the surrounding area. They rarely venture into the open, upper regions of the water column.