Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They possess a curious and relatively peaceful temperament compared to their aggressive cousins. Once acclimated, they are bold and will spend much of their time in the open. They are intelligent and quickly learn to recognize their keeper at feeding time.

Diet

Carnivore

They are carnivorous micro-predators that eagerly consume small benthic organisms. Feed a varied diet of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality carnivore flakes. They will also continuously hunt for small bristleworms and copepods among the live rock.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Unlike most dottybacks, they can sometimes be kept in small groups if introduced together in a large tank. They are hermaphroditic and will establish a pecking order where the dominant fish becomes male. However, keeping a single specimen or a confirmed pair is still the safest approach.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Feed them one to two times a day with appropriately sized meaty foods. They are active foragers and will supplement their diet by hunting between feedings. A well-fed dottyback is less likely to harass smaller invertebrates in the aquarium.

Bioload

The Striped Dottyback has a minimal bioload, making it an excellent choice for smaller aquariums. Its waste production is easily mitigated by standard filtration and protein skimming. Regular maintenance will effortlessly keep the water quality pristine for this hardy species.

Flow

Moderate

They prefer low to moderate water flow that allows them to easily navigate rock crevices. Very strong currents can force them to stay hidden deep within the aquascape. A varied flow pattern helps deliver food directly to their chosen hiding spots.

Jump risk

Yes

Like all dottybacks, they are exceptionally prone to jumping when startled. A completely sealed canopy or a tightly fitted mesh screen is mandatory. Any small gaps around the plumbing must be securely covered to prevent escapes.

Reproduction

Oviparous

They are cave spawners, with the male taking on the duty of guarding the egg mass. Spawning is occasionally observed in home aquariums when a bonded pair is present. Captive rearing of the larvae is difficult but has been successfully achieved by dedicated breeders.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

It is one of the most peaceful dottybacks, though it can still be slightly territorial. It makes an excellent companion for other peaceful community fish like gobies and blennies. Caution should still be exercised when keeping them with very small ornamental shrimp.

Tank level

Bottom

They are bottom and middle level dwellers that remain strongly associated with the rockwork. They will claim a network of caves and dart in and out of them constantly. They provide excellent visual interest as they navigate the intricate lower regions of the tank.