Two-lined Dottyback

About

The two-lined dottyback (Pseudochromis bitaeniatus) is a small but behaviorally interesting fish from the coral-rich reefs of the Indo-West Pacific, ranging from the Philippines and Indonesia across to the Solomon Islands and Palau, and south to northern Queensland. In the wild it haunts the shadowy side of things, steep reef slopes, caves, and crevices, which tells you a lot about what it wants in captivity: plenty of rockwork with genuine hiding spots. One of the more intriguing things about this species is that it may be a mimic of Pholidichthys leucotaenia, the convict blenny, which is a notable defensive strategy and puts this little fish in interesting company scientifically. Like most dottybacks, it is a carnivore and will readily take meaty frozen and prepared foods in the aquarium. Also like its relatives, it carries a reputation for punching above its weight when it comes to aggression. This is not a fish to pair casually with smaller or more timid tankmates. A well-established reef system with ample territory and structure is the right setting. It falls into intermediate care territory, less about water demands and more about managing its personality in a community context.