Coastal Waters
Dottyback
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Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis)
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Description
The Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback is a bold and electric-colored reef fish with a feisty personality and strong territorial instincts. Its neon-orange body and magenta-to-blue facial streaks bring vibrance and energy to nano and mid-sized saltwater tanks, though its temperament requires careful tankmate planning.
Difficulty Level
Intermediate Care
Region
Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to feed and hardy, but can be aggressive and territorial in smaller aquariums. Needs rock cover and space to avoid conflict.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often captive-bred, which helps reduce pressure on reef ecosystems. Still important to verify sustainable sourcing practices.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, specifically around the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, and coastal reef zones of northern Madagascar.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Neon-orange body with iridescent facial streaks ranging from magenta to sapphire blue. Fast, agile, and curious—often seen darting between rocks or hovering just outside its chosen cave.
Purpose
Adds bold color and a sense of movement to reef tanks. Useful for controlling small pest crustaceans. Brings dramatic contrast to neutral-toned aquascapes.
Importance
Great option for intermediate keepers who want character and punch in a compact fish. Serves as an example of reef micro-predators and territorial behavior within small reef ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live rock for shelter and visual barriers. Compatible with nano reefs if stocked carefully. Protein skimmer and stable parameters essential for long-term health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Red Sea or Western Indian Ocean biotope tanks, nano reefs with thoughtful stocking, or as a colorful addition to larger mixed-reef systems with confident tankmates.
Conservation Context
Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wild collection must be closely monitored. Support captive-bred stock whenever possible to reduce reef impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish (not passive varieties)
• Firefish (only in large tanks)
• Royal Gramma (in larger tanks with zones)
• Cleaner shrimp (may be at risk)
• Small tangs, blennies, or wrasses (if space allows)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -9.4000° S
• Longitude: 46.4167° E
(Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — coral rubble reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.0433° S
• Longitude: 49.2918° E
(North coast of Madagascar — reef crests and slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to feed and hardy, but can be aggressive and territorial in smaller aquariums. Needs rock cover and space to avoid conflict.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often captive-bred, which helps reduce pressure on reef ecosystems. Still important to verify sustainable sourcing practices.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, specifically around the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, and coastal reef zones of northern Madagascar.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Neon-orange body with iridescent facial streaks ranging from magenta to sapphire blue. Fast, agile, and curious—often seen darting between rocks or hovering just outside its chosen cave.
Purpose
Adds bold color and a sense of movement to reef tanks. Useful for controlling small pest crustaceans. Brings dramatic contrast to neutral-toned aquascapes.
Importance
Great option for intermediate keepers who want character and punch in a compact fish. Serves as an example of reef micro-predators and territorial behavior within small reef ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live rock for shelter and visual barriers. Compatible with nano reefs if stocked carefully. Protein skimmer and stable parameters essential for long-term health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Red Sea or Western Indian Ocean biotope tanks, nano reefs with thoughtful stocking, or as a colorful addition to larger mixed-reef systems with confident tankmates.
Conservation Context
Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wild collection must be closely monitored. Support captive-bred stock whenever possible to reduce reef impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish (not passive varieties)
• Firefish (only in large tanks)
• Royal Gramma (in larger tanks with zones)
• Cleaner shrimp (may be at risk)
• Small tangs, blennies, or wrasses (if space allows)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -9.4000° S
• Longitude: 46.4167° E
(Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — coral rubble reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.0433° S
• Longitude: 49.2918° E
(North coast of Madagascar — reef crests and slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis)
Core Details
Highlights
Care Level
/ 10
Easy to feed and hardy, but can be aggressive and territorial in smaller aquariums. Needs rock cover and space to avoid conflict.
Environment Impact
/ 10
Often captive-bred, which helps reduce pressure on reef ecosystems. Still important to verify sustainable sourcing practices.
Origin
Native to the western Indian Ocean, specifically around the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, and coastal reef zones of northern Madagascar.
Visual & Behavioral Appeal
Neon-orange body with iridescent facial streaks ranging from magenta to sapphire blue. Fast, agile, and curious—often seen darting between rocks or hovering just outside its chosen cave.
Purpose
Adds bold color and a sense of movement to reef tanks. Useful for controlling small pest crustaceans. Brings dramatic contrast to neutral-toned aquascapes.
Importance
Great option for intermediate keepers who want character and punch in a compact fish. Serves as an example of reef micro-predators and territorial behavior within small reef ecosystems.
Included Resources
Requires live rock for shelter and visual barriers. Compatible with nano reefs if stocked carefully. Protein skimmer and stable parameters essential for long-term health.
Best Use Cases
Ideal for Red Sea or Western Indian Ocean biotope tanks, nano reefs with thoughtful stocking, or as a colorful addition to larger mixed-reef systems with confident tankmates.
Conservation Context
Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wild collection must be closely monitored. Support captive-bred stock whenever possible to reduce reef impact.
Ideal Aquatic Species
• Clownfish (not passive varieties)
• Firefish (only in large tanks)
• Royal Gramma (in larger tanks with zones)
• Cleaner shrimp (may be at risk)
• Small tangs, blennies, or wrasses (if space allows)
Region (A)
• Latitude: -9.4000° S
• Longitude: 46.4167° E
(Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles — coral rubble reefs)
Region (B)
• Latitude: -12.0433° S
• Longitude: 49.2918° E
(North coast of Madagascar — reef crests and slopes)
How Many Can I Keep?
Get smart stocking suggestions based on your tank size.
e.g. 75 gallons (280 L)
Neon Aldabraensis Dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis)
Region
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