Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Aggressive

Reef Compatible: With Caution

General Description: The Splendid Dottyback are found across the Indo-West Pacific, however the majority of individuals offered now are sourced from aquaculture. A relatively hardy and eye-catching fish with its vibrant yellow tail, large dorsal fin, and spotted pattern, an adult Splendid dottyback can reach a size of approximately 5″, making it one of the larger dottyback species. It was once in the genus Pseudochromis with many of the other well recognized dottybacks in the hobby, however it got reclassified into the genus Manonichthys in 2001 after new research was published on its evolutionary relationships. Given its larger adult size and more aggressive demeanor, a Splendid dottyback would be best added into a fish only aquarium. Only one Splendid dottyback should be kept per aquarium. Dottybacks can quarrel with fish that have a similar body shape, impede on their territory, or also exploit the bottom portion of the aquarium where dottybacks spend a lot of their time. A large enough aquarium can usually prevent or resolve the latter. This species, while overall disease resistant, may be more sensitive to copper-based medications.

Diet Requirements: In the wild dottybacks are primarily carnivorous. A diet largely consisting of high quality, vitamin enriched frozen preparations is absolutely necessary to maintain optimal health, coloration, and immune function. Such foods can include, but are not limited to, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, calanus, cyclopeeze and rotifers. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding will also create more of a natural environment for the Splendid dottyback as it would typically feed. Dottybacks may accept high quality flake and pellet foods.

Care Requirements: A minimum 55 to 75 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Splendid dottyback. They enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge through or beneath during the day. A Splendid dottyback is best suited for a more active or semi-aggressive aquarium so long as they cannot be eaten by their tank mates. Some compatible options include triggerfish, tangs, larger angelfish, squirrelfish, hawkfish and damsels. Given their highly territorial nature, a Splendid dottyback is to be added with caution into a reef aquarium, which would need to be well thought out in order to house this species successfully and harmoniously. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 3/4″ to 1-1/4″; Medium: 1-1/4″ to 2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.