ORA Sunrise 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"
• 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 Sunrise Dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) is another brightly colored basslet found in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. ORA broodstock originates from Egyptian waters and produce the bluest Sunrise Dottybacks available in the industry.

They have a dorsal yellow stripe from the snout to the tail, and have a blue body with white ventral area. They are found living as solitary individuals around coral heads and rock rubble on the bottom.

Generally, they are moderately aggressive in aquariums and can be kept with gobies, blennies, and other small reef fish. Plenty of rocky hiding places should be provided. Feeding is simple, as they will accept most prepared frozen or dry aquarium foods.

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 Sunrise Dottyback. A larger tank offers more stability in water parameters, which is beneficial for all inhabitants.

Habitat Recommendations

Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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

Sunrise 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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise Dottyback is considered semi-aggressive. Understanding their compatibility with other fish and invertebrates is crucial to maintaining a balanced and stress-free aquarium environment.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Damselfish, most Wrasse, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Rabbitfish, and other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish.
• Invertebrates: Dottybacks won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep. Like with most other Dottybacks, there is a risk of them eating smaller ornamental shrimp.
• Coral: The Sunrise Dottyback can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Group Behavior: The Sunrise Dottyback will show aggression towards its own species. Keeping more than one in the same aquarium is not recommended.
• 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