Neon Dottyback

About

The Arabian Blue-lined Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis) is a compact, vividly colored fish from the Indian Ocean, with a natural range stretching from the Aldabra Atoll through the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and on to Pakistan and Sri Lanka. In the wild it lives on coral and rocky reefs, from the shallows down to around 25 meters, and it stays true to its cryptic nature by darting into crevices and caves at the first sign of trouble. That instinct carries straight into the aquarium, where it appreciates plenty of rock work and hiding spots to feel secure. What makes this species stand out is the combination of an intense orange body with blue facial striping. A bold look for a fish that tops out under four inches. Despite the flashy coloring, it is considered a reasonable choice for newer saltwater keepers, being hardy and adaptable in a well-maintained reef or fish-only setup. The caveat most experienced keepers will mention is temperament: dottybacks as a group can be surprisingly scrappy toward other small fish, especially those of similar size or color, so tank mates deserve some thought. Captive breeding of this species has been achieved, so tank-raised individuals are available and tend to settle in well.