Reef Safe Aquarium Fish - Dottybacks

Dottybacks in the Reef Aquarium

General description: Dottybacks are brightly colored and rather shy. There are approximately 100 different species of dottybacks, but most are quite rare and rather expensive if found in a commercial setting.

Living conditions: Dependant upon the particular specie, dottybacks tend to live as solitary individuals or in small colonies. They live in and around coral heads and rock rubble and need to be provided plenty of hiding places. Dottybacks are generally peaceful, so they live well in a community setting alongside other reef tank fish.

Feeding: Dependant upon the particular specie, dottybacks will eat fresh and frozen plankton, common pellets and flakes, and most fresh or frozen meaty items (brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, etc.). It is important to offer these fish a varied diet of high quality food to postpone the dulling of their brightly colored scales.