Striped Dottyback

About

The striped dottyback (Pseudochromis sankeyi) is a refreshing exception in a family known for aggression. Most dottybacks are notorious bullies, but this small Red Sea native has a noticeably calmer disposition and tends to coexist reasonably well with other fish. It comes from a fairly narrow range in the western Indian Ocean, primarily the southern Red Sea, the waters around Djibouti and Yemen, and the Socotra Archipelago, where it gravitates toward rocky ledges, caves, and hard coral communities. In the wild it can be found living in colonies, which is another uncommon trait for the group. Appearance-wise, the species earns its common name with clean white and black horizontal stripes running the length of its compact, elongated body. Those bold contrasting bands make it easy to identify and give it a distinctive look without being garish. In the aquarium it appreciates rockwork that mimics its natural habitat. Plenty of crevices and overhangs to retreat into. Being a carnivore, it readily accepts meaty frozen foods like mysis and brine shrimp. Its manageable adult size, forgiving care requirements, and comparatively peaceful temperament make it a solid choice for hobbyists who want a dottyback without the drama.