Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Sunrise Dottyback, also referred to as the Blue Flavivertex Dottyback, are endemic to the western Indian Ocean, however the majority of individuals offered now are sourced from aquaculture. A relatively hardy and colorful fish with its contrasting purples and yellows, an adult Sunrise dottyback can reach a size of approximately 3″ making it a lovely addition into a fish only or well thought out reef aquarium. Only one Sunrise dottyback should be kept per aquarium unless it is large enough to provide territories for multiple individuals and all individuals are introduced at the same time. Sometimes 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. Sunrise dottybacks have been observed to eat nuisance bristleworms. Fish in the genus Pseudochromis 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 Sunrise dottyback as it would typically feed. Dottybacks may accept high quality flake and pellet foods.

Care Requirements: A minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal to house a Sunrise dottyback. They enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to take refuge through or beneath during the day. Despite their small adult size, Sunrise dottybacks are 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. Sunrise dottybacks are overall reef safe and will not harm any coral, though small shrimp could be at risk to more adult specimens. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”

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