Splendid Dottyback Aggressiveness

[LaraLouM]

So I am making progress narrowing down a stock list for my new 32G Biocube, thanks to everyone here for their help in that lol.

Tell me about the splendid Dottyback... about half of what I read says people do not have issues with them, the other half says they are evil jerks. I really like the fish and the colors would tie in with what I’m looking at, but in such a small tank a true ******* would just make any other fish hide away.

I would like to keep a blue assessor (3” max) and a pink streaked wrasse (2”) as well as some small Blenny, leaning towards tails pot but still not totally decided on that.

Thoughts?

Annnnndddd... GO lol

 

[Jesterrace]

Definitely avoid. The only Dottyback I ever recommend (and still with caution) is the Orchid Dottyback. I would recommend going with a Basslet instead (ie Royal Gramma, Black Cap) as they offer lots of color without being overly aggressive (unlike the Dottybacks).

 

[BadFish619]

I had one who kept to himself. I think its kinda a 50/50 shot and just depends on the fish. Mine was aggressive only in his little spot. Rest of the tank he didn't care about

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

I would not keep one with an assessor.

 

[mattzang]

any dottyback in a smallish tank with other rock based fish seems like it won't go well, even if it's a mild splendid dottyback, it's still a dottyback

i like the gramma suggestion

 

[LaraLouM]

We’re not big on the purple fish, so no interest in the royal gamma or black cap basslet. I will have to keep looking for options. Thanks all.

 

[LaraLouM]

What would you all think about an Agile or Vanderbilt Chromis? They have some similar coloring to the Splendid D. and both only get 3" so they are small for Chromis.

 

[LaraLouM]

Agile - Live Aquaria

Vanderbuilt - Live Aquaria

 

[Hallowhead]

I would suggest an orchid dottyback.

Also a lawnmower blenny is a good choice. Great for algae control.

 

[Westside Guy]

I have an Electric Indigo Dottyback that my LFS ordered from ORA. It lives in the rocks and so far has not shown any aggression. ORA even says that it is a peaceful fish.

Electric Indigo Dottyback | Pseudochromis fridmani x sankeyi | ORA | Oceans, Reefs & Aquariums

The ORA Electric Indigo Dottyback is a stunningly colored hybrid between A. fridmani and A. sankeyi.

www.orafarm.com

 

[mattzang]

how about a yellow assessor? or a meiacanthus blenny since you have a lot of rock based kind of fish already

 

[mort]

I really like the vanderbilts but they are another species that will get mixed reviews. Some people have great success and are able to keep a little group, others see them die off (though not through fighting like green chromis). They are best for a really placid system so I'd avoid the dottyback.
They are one of those fish that look amazing in person when settled but not so striking in a lfs. If they weren't $40 each over here I'd definitely have a bunch.

 

[LaraLouM]

how about a yellow assessor? or a meiacanthus blenny since you have a lot of rock based kind of fish already

I was hoping to get a blue assessor because I really like those a little better than the yellow ones!

 

[mattzang]

I was hoping to get a blue assessor because I really like those a little better than the yellow ones!

afaik assessors are fine together, but @GoldeneyeRet is the assessor man

 

[LaraLouM]

afaik assessors are fine together, but @GoldeneyeRet is the assessor man

Ok I’ll have to check that out, it is not a large tank so I don’t want to push the limits.

 

[VA5]

Mine is shy and timid. Royal Gamma is much more aggressive .

 

[VA5]

If you have a tight lid and will not get aggressive fish fire fish are fantastic and school with minimal bioload. Clown gobies would be another great choice.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Assessors do fine together.

Firefish are great but they wont school. In fact, they wont tolerate other firefish at all long term unless they are a bonded pair. Pairs are difficult to aquire.

Other dartfish would also be great here. My flagfin is a great fish! As are lined, zebra scissortail etc. As mentioned they do jump, but all fish can jump!

 

[LaraLouM]

Assessors do fine together.

Firefish are great but they wont school. In fact, they wont tolerate other firefish at all long term unless they are a bonded pair. Pairs are difficult to aquire.

Other dartfish would also be great here. My flagfin is a great fish! As are lined, zebra scissortail etc. As mentioned they do jump, but all fish can jump!

I love the zebra dartfish, But from what I read they need to be kept with at least two if not more together to be happy. I didn’t know if I’d be able to put two or three of them to gather with the dwarf wrasse and assessor in the 32 gallon bio cube.

 

[GoldeneyeRet]

Perhaps they do better in groups, but its not required. I have two and one hangs out with my scissortails and the other one follows my circus goby around under the rocks. Its strange.

The fang blenny suggestion was good as well. I prefer the blackline, but also really like the lined.