Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) Care Guide

A striking dottyback with a bright orange body and vivid neon-blue lateral line extending from snout to tail. More territorial than the Orchid Dottyback and will aggressively defend its chosen cave.

Overview

Pseudochromis aldabraensis is a species in the family Pseudochromidae. A striking dottyback with a bright orange body and vivid neon-blue lateral line extending from snout to tail. More territorial than the Orchid Dottyback and will aggressively defend its chosen cave. Best kept with semi-aggressive tankmates that can hold their own. Excellent pest controller, eating bristleworms and flatworms.

Taxonomy

Family: Pseudochromidae
Genus: Pseudochromis
Scientific name: Pseudochromis aldabraensis
Other names: Arabian Dottyback, Aldabra Dottyback
Origin: Indian Ocean, Persian Gulf

Habitat

Native to the western Indian Ocean from the Gulf of Oman south along the coasts of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka to the Aldabra group. Inhabits coral and rocky reefs at depths of 6-30 m. Captive-bred specimens are widely available and generally less aggressive than wild-caught.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.1-8.4
GH: 8-12 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 7-10 cm
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Difficulty: beginner

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Tangs, Hawkfish, Angelfish
Avoid with: Other Dottybacks, Royal Gramma, Small Peaceful Fish

Reef compatibility

Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate