About Dottyback

Dottybacks are a group of small, colorful but aggressive reef fish. They come in various colors including purple, yellow, and striped patterns. Native to the Indo-Pacific, these fish are beautiful but can be terrors in community tanks, often bullying fish twice their size. They are best kept in species-only setups or with very robust, larger tank mates. Dottybacks are cave-dwellers that defend territories fiercely. While their colors are striking, their aggression requires careful consideration before adding to a reef tank.

Care Guide

Care Requirements

Tank Setup

Dottybacks need caves and should be added carefully to communities.

Essential Setup:

  • 30+ gallons
  • Live rock with caves (essential)
  • Moderate flow
  • Temperature 72-78°F

Water Quality

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-25.5°C)
  • pH: 8.1-8.4
  • Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.025
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm

Feeding

Carnivores with hearty appetites:

  • Frozen Mysis shrimp
  • Frozen brine shrimp
  • Marine pellets
  • Copepods
  • Will eat small shrimp in tank

Behavior & Compatibility

Aggressive for their size:

  • Aggressive: Despite small size
  • Territorial: Defend caves fiercely
  • Bully: May harass larger fish
  • Shrimp predators: Will eat ornamental shrimp
  • Cave dwellers: Stay near hiding spots

Compatible With (few options):

  • Robust clownfish
  • Tangs
  • Large, established fish

Never With:

  • Small peaceful fish
  • Any ornamental shrimp
  • Small crabs
  • Other dottybacks (will fight)
  • Firefish
  • Dartfish
  • Orchid Dottyback: Purple
  • Neon Dottyback: Yellow
  • Splendid Dottyback: Multi-colored
  • Striped Dottyback: Black and white

Cave Defense

  • Claim territory: Around cave
  • Aggressive defense: Attack intruders
  • Hiding: Retreat to cave when threatened
  • Ambush: Dart out to chase fish

Shrimp Predation

  • Will eat: Small ornamental shrimp
  • Cleaner shrimp: At risk
  • Sexy shrimp: Will be eaten
  • Peppermint shrimp: Likely to be eaten

Alternative to Aggression

Consider less aggressive options:

  • Royal Gramma: Similar colors, less aggressive
  • Black Cap Basslet: Less aggressive
  • Assess carefully: Before adding dottyback

Tips for Success

  • Species tank or robust fish only
  • Will eat small shrimp
  • Aggressive for size
  • One per tank
  • Beautiful but challenging

Compatible Tank Mates

🐠 Robust fish only
🐠 Clownfish
🐠 Tangs