All fish / Pseudochromidae

Splendid Dottyback

Pseudochromis splendens

Also known as splendid dottyback, flores dottyback, splendid pseudochromis, splendens dottyback, スプレンディッド・ドティーバック, 华丽拟雀鲷

One of the largest dottybacks, it has an orange to pinkish body covered with rows of small blue spots, with blue-edged fins and often a yellowish tail. Keepers like it for its bright colours, hardiness and bold character among rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Keep singly, one per tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Eastern Indonesia (Flores, Komodo, Sumba and nearby islands), Indian Ocean

Breeding

Males guard egg balls laid in a cave by the female, and the larvae are pelagic. A few have been raised in captivity, but pairing is difficult because of aggression and the larvae need live rotifers.

Good to know

It is territorial and bullies small or similar-shaped fish, so add it last alongside robust tankmates. It may eat small shrimp and other small crustaceans, and it needs plenty of rock caves to hide in.