Splendid Dottyback

The Splendid Dottyback (Manonichthys splendens) has a dark blue body patterned with pale spots and contrasting yellow accents. Its striking pattern accompanies a territorial nature that can affect fish considerably larger than itself.

Create a varied rockscape with multiple retreats and avoid forcing timid species to share the same small cave network. Smaller enclosures intensify the difficulty of escaping a dominant dottyback. Plan introductions around the behaviour of current residents.

Provide a diverse selection of appropriately sized marine carnivore foods. Small ornamental shrimp can become prey, so review the invertebrate list before adding this fish. A dottyback defending a cave may appear settled while still preventing another fish from feeding or using its normal shelter.