Pseudochromis springeri compatibility

Df1577 · Jul 11, 2021

I currently maintain a red sea reefer 170 with a pair of orange storm ocellaris and a springer's damsel. I've made gambles in terms of compatibility before such as dwarf angels in reef tanks, but I have never touched any dottyback species due to fear of aggression. Currently, I am considering giving in and adding a springer's dottyback to my tank. Has anyone kept this species in a tank with comparable dimensions? It would be the last fish added, but I'm still concerned the damsel may be the target of aggression as it is a very passive fish. I'm also considering just skipping out on this fish and adding some type of assessor instead.

SPR1968 · Jul 16, 2021

I can’t answer the specific question, but I can bump the thread to see if we can get you some help

runcis · Jul 16, 2021

Hi, I have two springeri dottybacks together with an older springeri damsel in a 400 l (105 gal) aquarium. The damsel arrived two years before the dottybacks, and the dottybacks were much smaller than the damsel initially. There was some squabbling and chasing in the very beginning, but after a week or so everything calmed down.

Bow I'm conisdering buying a partner for the damsel.

NB the dottybacks are captive bred.

joseph scott · Jul 16, 2021

Df1577 said:
I currently maintain a red sea reefer 170 with a pair of orange storm ocellaris and a springer's damsel. I've made gambles in terms of compatibility before such as dwarf angels in reef tanks, but I have never touched any dottyback species due to fear of aggression. Currently, I am considering giving in and adding a springer's dottyback to my tank. Has anyone kept this species in a tank with comparable dimensions? It would be the last fish added, but I'm still concerned the damsel may be the target of aggression as it is a very passive fish. I'm also considering just skipping out on this fish and adding some type of assessor instead.

I have a springeri dottyback, he’s been in my 75 for about 4 years. A couple months ago I added 3 springeri damsels. No issues.

jaganshi066 · Jul 16, 2021

I’ve had a neon dottyback and it’s been the most aggressive fish that ive ever had. I’ve had a lot of dwarf angels since they are my favorite fish,
But the neon dottyback is on a whole new level of aggression, even killing puffers.

Df1577 · Jul 16, 2021

jaganshi066 said:
I’ve had a neon dottyback and it’s been the most aggressive fish that ive ever had. I’ve had a lot of dwarf angels since they are my favorite fish,
But the neon dottyback is on a whole new level of aggression, even killing puffers.

I do see lots of stories like this, but the neon dottyback seems to be a very different fish than P. springeri. I typically hear good things about springers dottyback, though I'm still thinking an assessor may be a better choice for my tank.