Striped Dottyback

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Found in small colonies around shallow coral reefs down to 15 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the family Pseudochromidae. Uniquely characterized by its milder temperament compared to its relatives.

Social Behavior: Less aggressive and more social than other dottybacks. Can be kept in pairs or small groups in larger tanks with ample structure.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-white translucent body marked by two prominent, horizontal black stripes running from head to tail.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a mature marine aquarium of at least 100 liters with plenty of live rock to provide hiding spots and natural grazing surfaces.

Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates, bristleworms, and copepods. Accepts high-quality flakes, pellets, frozen brine shrimp, and mysis.

Water Quality: Standard marine parameters: temperature 22-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025 with efficient filtration and moderate water movement.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Highly peaceful. Not reef safe as it nips at stony corals. Best kept with quiet, non-aggressive species in a fish-only setup.

Aquarium Breeding: Demersal spawner. The male guards the egg mass inside a cave until hatching. Spawning in home aquariums is rare but possible.

Risks and Diseases: Extremely hardy and disease resistant. The main risk is severe aggression toward peaceful tankmates or other bottom-dwelling species.