ORA Neon Dottyback

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes, with Caution
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25-1.5"
• Approximate Max Size: 3.5"
• Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) is a beautiful orange color with neon blue stripes on the dorsal fin, gill cover, and tail. This is a very popular reef tank species, which was once commonly imported from the Persian Gulf. Now it is hardly ever seen from the wild. They grow to about 3.5 inches in length, and they are one of the larger dottybacks ORA offers.

Neon Dottybacks can be aggressive in community tanks with small fish and it is suggested that they are introduced as one of the last fish to the tank. They prefer rocky shelter and live alone or in pairs in caves and crevices.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

More space is always beneficial, but a minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for the Neon Dottyback. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Neon Dottybacks are quite adaptable but thrive best in an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Here’s how to set up their ideal home:

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots. They spend a lot of their time in the rockwork, living in caves or crevices.
• Substrate: This fish has no specific substrate requirements and can be kept in aquariums using sand of various grain sizes, crushed coral, or no substrate at all.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Neon Dottybacks are considered relatively hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 75-78°F. Stability is key, so use a reliable heater that can limit any temperature swings to about +/- 1°F or less.
• pH Level: This fish will do well in a wide pH range from about 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: The specific gravity should be between 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt). Use a refractometer to monitor salinity levels accurately.
• Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite levels should be undetectable, while nitrate levels should be kept below 20 ppm. Regular water changes and proper filtration will help to achieve this.
• Water Flow: Moderate water movement is ideal. This is most often achieved by using powerheads in the aquarium to move water around. Adequate water flow helps push uneaten food and fish waste into your filtration and also keeps the water oxygenated.

Diet

Neon Dottybacks are Carnivores, meaning they rely on meaty foods for their nutrition. This fish isn't typically a picky eater and will accept food in a variety of forms. 

Primary Diet

• Frozen Food: Mysis Shrimp or other marine-specific frozen foods can provide a quality diet, but with less risk of overfeeding vs pellet or flake foods. 
• Pellet Food: High-Quality pellets are a great option. Dottybacks prefer to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface, so neutrally buoyant or slow sinking pellets work best. Pellet foods are typically very nutrient dense, so care should be taken to avoid overfeeding the aquarium, which can contribute to poor water quality.
• Flake Food: Flake food isn't as popular of a choice among saltwater aquarists, but if you opt for a flake food, be sure to choose a marine-specific option that's formulated to meet the needs of saltwater fish.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your Neon Dottyback at least once a day. For optimal health, try to offer small, frequent meals throughout the day-- 2-3 times is ideal if you can manage it.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Neon Dottyback is considered semi-aggressive or even aggressive in some cases. They will usually bother smaller fish that approach their territory and should only be kept with other larger semi-aggressive fish that aren't susceptible to being bullied.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Damselfish, most Wrasse, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Rabbitfish, and other semi-aggressive fish.
• Invertebrates: Dottybacks won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep. They will eat smaller ornamental shrimp and are reported to be good bristle worm hunters.
• Coral: The Neon Dottyback can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Group Behavior: The Neon Dottyback will show aggression towards its own species in smaller aquariums. With a larger tank and enough live rock, they can be kept in pairs, however this is only recommended for experienced aquarists.
• Jumping: Dottybacks are known to be jumpers, so a tight-fitting top is highly recommended.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions