S&R Black Neon Dottyback Captive-Bred

About the S&R Black neon Dottyback Captive-Bred

Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Reef Safe: Yes
Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons
Max Size: 3.5 inches

The Black Neon Dottyback is a hybrid between the Neon Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) and the Springer’s Dottyback (Pseudochromis springeri) and it carries traits from both. The body color of Black Neon Dottybacks range from a rust color to jet black. The gorgeous electric blue coloration is exaggerated in Black Neon Dottybacks when compared to Springer’s dottybacks. For example the electric blue color runs in a double band the entire length of the dorsal fin and into the caudal (tail) fin in the Black Neon Dottyback. In contrast the Springer’s Dottyback only has electric blue color in the face and front half of the fish.

Dottybacks are a group of small, colorful basslet-like fish that inhabit the crevices and small caves of the coral reef.  Dottybacks can be kept in smaller aquariums, although larger tanks with plenty of live rock are preferable. They are territorial and will defend the area they have claimed as home quite aggressively.

Dottybacks vary species by species in aggressiveness, and care should be taken when deciding which to introduce to an aquarium community.  Dottybacks are easy to feed, and frozen foods such as Mysis shrimp or Brine shrimp are readily accepted. They are also known to feed on small bristle worms, and have been introduced to tanks to help control excessive bristle worm populations.

The family of Dottybacks are well known for their elusive nature. These fish tend to stay within their crevice or cave until it is time to feed. Their color is usually quite dramatic and they are capable of changing their sex.