Oblique-lined Dottyback
Cypho purpurascens
A bold little reef predator that punches well above its weight in attitude.
About
The oblique-lined dottyback (Cypho purpurascens) is a small but feisty carnivore native to the Western Pacific, ranging from the Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea out to Tonga. In the wild it tucks itself into crevices and holes across a range of reef habitats, from tide pools and lagoonal reefs to deeper reef slopes, living a mostly solitary life or occasionally pairing up. That secretive, territorial nature carries straight into the aquarium. This fish will claim a cave or rocky nook and defend it with genuine conviction, which means smaller or more passive tankmates can end up on the receiving end of some harassment. Pairing it with fish that can hold their own is the smarter move. On the plus side, it is a reasonably forgiving choice for newer saltwater keepers. It adapts well to aquarium life, accepts a variety of meaty foods without much fuss, and stays compact enough for modestly sized reef or FOWLR setups. A well-maintained specimen can live a solid seven to ten years, so it is worth thinking carefully about tank dynamics before bringing one home. Give it plenty of rockwork to retreat into and it will reward you by actually being visible. Darting in and out of its territory with that characteristic dottyback confidence.
Similar species
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From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Oblique-lined Dottyback get?
- The Oblique-lined Dottyback reaches about 2–4" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Oblique-lined Dottyback need?
- A minimum of 30 gallons is recommended for the Oblique-lined Dottyback.
- What water parameters does the Oblique-lined Dottyback need?
- The Oblique-lined Dottyback does best with a temperature of 72–78°F, a pH of 8.1–8.4, hardness around 8–12 dGH.
- Is the Oblique-lined Dottyback aggressive?
- The Oblique-lined Dottyback is aggressive and is best kept alone or with robust tankmates that can hold their own.
- What does the Oblique-lined Dottyback eat?
- The Oblique-lined Dottyback is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Oblique-lined Dottyback live?
- With good care, the Oblique-lined Dottyback typically lives 7-10 years.
- Is the Oblique-lined Dottyback reef safe?
- The Oblique-lined Dottyback is generally considered reef safe.