All fish / Pseudochromidae

Longfin Dottyback

Manonichthys polynemus

Also known as longfin dottyback, long-finned dottyback, yellow dot dottyback, ogilbyina polynemus, longfin dottyback pseudochromis, polynemus dottyback, ロングフィン・ドティバック, 长鳍拟雀鲷

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A slim dottyback with a pale brownish body covered in small yellow or orange spots and long, flowing pelvic and dorsal fins. It is hardy, reef safe with corals and full of character, darting in and out of rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

Singly, or a proven pair in a larger tank

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, quality pellets and flakes

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia (Sulawesi, Moluccas), Philippines and Palau

Breeding

Pairs spawn a ball of eggs in a cave, which the male guards until they hatch after about four to five days. It has been bred in captivity, though raising the tiny larvae on rotifers takes some effort.

Good to know

Territorial towards other dottybacks and small, timid fish, and may eat small shrimps; provide plenty of caves. It grows larger than many dottybacks, so avoid tiny tanks.