Blue-striped Dottyback
Pseudochromis springeri
Also known as: bluestriped dottyback, Livid Dottyback
A bold little reef predator wrapped in electric blue and black.
About
The blue-striped dottyback (Pseudochromis springeri) is a compact, intensely colored fish native to the Red Sea, where it makes its home among the corals of lagoon and seaward reefs. Its pattern is hard to miss. A deep black body bisected by vivid blue stripes running horizontally from head to tail, giving it a look that stands out even against a busy reef backdrop. Like most dottybacks, it punches well above its weight in personality for such a small fish, and that confidence can tip into outright aggression toward similar-sized or similarly shaped tankmates. Careful stocking is important, and it generally does better in a reef setup with plenty of rockwork that provides territories and retreats. It accepts a variety of meaty foods readily, which makes feeding straightforward. One practical plus for the hobby is that this species has been successfully bred in captivity, so tank-raised individuals are available and tend to acclimate well to aquarium life. It's best suited to a keeper with some saltwater experience who understands the territorial nature of dottybacks and can plan a compatible community around that. Given the right setup, it's a rewarding and long-lived resident.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Blue-striped Dottyback get?
- The Blue-striped Dottyback reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Blue-striped Dottyback need?
- A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for the Blue-striped Dottyback.
- What water parameters does the Blue-striped Dottyback need?
- The Blue-striped Dottyback does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 8–8.4.
- Is the Blue-striped Dottyback aggressive?
- The Blue-striped Dottyback is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Blue-striped Dottyback eat?
- The Blue-striped Dottyback is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Blue-striped Dottyback live?
- With good care, the Blue-striped Dottyback typically lives 5-8 years.
- Is the Blue-striped Dottyback reef safe?
- The Blue-striped Dottyback is not considered reliably reef safe and may harm corals or invertebrates.