S&R Neon Dottyback Captive-Bred

About the S&R 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 Neon Dottyback is absolutely stunning. It has a bright orange body color with electric blue lines on the head and on the top part of its body and dorsal fin. This species tend to be bolder than most dottybacks and will spend more time out in the open. The Neon Dottyback is also known for having a healthy appetite for bristle worms that sometimes can be a nuisance in saltwater aquariums. Limited collection from the areas of origin has made it increasingly hard to come by wild collected Neon Dottybacks. Fortunately, we have included this species in our breeding program and captive bred Neon Dottybacks are readily available from Sea & Reef Aquaculture.

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.