Ceylon Dottyback (Indian Ocean)

Dottybacks are colorful and feisty fish with many fantastic qualities. They are not shy, instead always active and swimming in and out of the rockwork ensuring their bright colors may be enjoyed. Plenty of caves and decor will help them feel secure and spend more time in the open. They are intelligent and can hold their own against larger aggressive fish, but are not recommended with small docile species which they will bully. Dottybacks are hardy fish which are easy to feed and disease resistant making them easy to keep. If they are to be kept together they must be added at the same time to a sufficiently large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, and aggressive species not added before more aggressive ones. Best tank mates include angels, tangs, foxface, clowns, damsels, chromis, Toby puffers and large cardinals and gobies. All but the smallest species may be kept with hawkfish, triggers and large pufferfish.

Dottybacks are coral safe but may attack and consume crustaceans, especially shrimp. Large species may eat very small fish. They may also eat bristleworms. Diet should include plenty of high quality meaty items such as frozen Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, enriched brine shrimp, marine algae and Spirulina fed at least once a day. They usually learn to eat dry foods as well.

The Flame Head dottyback is an impressive fish sporting a fiery orange color on its head and shoulders and also highlighting the edges of its fins and tail. Its body is lavender with darker speckles arranged in stripes, and contrasting dark along the base of its rear fins. Its eyes are a deep scarlet.

It is occasionally imported from the Indian Ocean. It is also known as the Ceylon, or Dilectus pseudochromis. Males and females are identical. It grows up to 3 inches and needs an aquarium at least 30 gallons.