The Black Neon Dottyback is a tiny saltwater fish with a big presence. Think sleek, midnight body with crisp neon-blue lines that catch the light as it darts through rockwork. If you want a hardy, colorful fish for a smaller reef or a lively community, this little powerhouse can be a great match—so long as you understand its bold personality. In this guide, we’ll cover what the fish is like, how to set up the tank, what to feed, who it can live with, and practical tricks that make everyday care easier.
Meet the Fish: Looks, Size, and Personality
Commonly sold as “Black Neon Dottyback,” this fish belongs to the Pseudochromis clan, the same family as the popular Orchid and Springeri dottybacks. Exact trade names vary, but the look is unmistakable: a dark, glossy body highlighted by sharp, neon-blue stripes along the top line and sometimes around the eye. Adults are small—usually about 2.5 to 3 inches—yet they swim with the confidence of a much larger fish.
Behavior-wise, dottybacks are famous for being spunky. They’re alert, quick, and curious. They also guard their turf. That doesn’t mean they’re terrors; it just means you’ll want to plan your aquascape and tankmates thoughtfully. Give them a few caves and they’ll respond by patrolling, perching, and showing off those electric lines all day long.
Tank Size and Setup
You don’t need a giant aquarium for a Black Neon Dottyback, but elbow room helps calm the attitude. A 20–30 gallon tank works for a single specimen. If you plan to keep several fish or a busier community, aim larger.
Aquascape that Reduces Squabbles
- Rockwork with breaks: Build caves, arches, and nooks so the fish can claim a spot and still lose sight of tankmates when it wants peace.
- Multiple retreats: Place shelters in different zones (front, back, left, right). Choice lowers stress.
- Secure structures: Dottybacks are nimble. Make sure rocks are stable in case they shoot in and out at speed.
Water Parameters
They handle normal reef conditions very well. Keep things steady and clean:
- Temperature: 24–26°C (75–79°F)
- Specific gravity: 1.024–1.026
- pH: 8.1–8.4
- Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
- Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: Ideally under 20 ppm (lower for coral-heavy tanks)
Good flow and strong filtration keep this species at its best. A protein skimmer is helpful, especially if you feed generously (which you should—more on that in a second).
Feeding: Keep It Meaty, Keep It Varied
Black Neon Dottybacks are carnivores that thrive on frequent, small meals. A mix keeps them vivid and well-mannered:
- Staples: Thawed mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill or clam, quality marine pellets (small size) and micro sticks.
- Occasional treats: Blackworms or tiny bits of seafood for extra protein.
- Schedule: Feed small portions 1–2 times daily. A well-fed dottyback is less inclined to hassle neighbors.
Rinse frozen foods to reduce extra nutrients hitting the water. If you’re training to pellets, mix pellets with a tiny portion of frozen for a week; most dottybacks catch on quickly.
Temperament and Tankmates
Here’s the honest truth: dottybacks defend their space, especially against fish shaped like them (slender, similar size, similar color). With smart planning, they live peacefully in many community reefs.
Good Companions
- Peaceful-to-moderate fish with different shapes: clownfish, fairy or flasher wrasses, chromis, firefish (in larger tanks with hiding spots), gobies that hug the sand, and dwarf angels in roomy systems.
- Cleanup crew: Snails and larger hermits usually do fine. Small ornamental shrimp can be risky if the dottyback is underfed or if the shrimp are very tiny.
- Corals: Dottybacks ignore corals. They’re considered reef-safe with respect to coral tissue.
Use Caution With
- Very small shrimp (sexy shrimp, baby cleaners). Adults may be okay; juveniles can be tempting snacks.
- Similar dottybacks or basslets in small tanks. The resemblance can trigger turf wars.
- Shy nano fish in tight quarters. If you want tiny, timid species, give them lots of bolt-holes and consider adding the dottyback last.
Acclimation, Quarantine, and Adding to the Display
A bit of patience here saves headaches later.
- Quarantine: 2–4 weeks in a separate tank lets you observe feeding, rule out parasites, and fatten the fish. Keep PVC elbows for shelter.
- Drip acclimate: Match salinity and temperature slowly, especially if there’s a large difference from store water.
- Lights down: Introduce the fish with the display lights dimmed or off for the first evening. Less glare, less stress.
- Acclimation box (optional): In a lively community, park the dottyback in a perforated box for several hours so neighbors can see but not chase. This trick also works in reverse—when you’re introducing timid fish to a tank with an established dottyback.
Managing Territory Like a Pro
- Rock rearrange: If a resident is picking on a newcomer, a small rockwork tweak can “reset” borders. Suddenly, everyone is exploring instead of feuding.
- Add last: In smaller systems, add the dottyback after peaceful fish have settled. It’s harder for it to claim the whole tank if others are already established.
- Feed well: A satisfied dottyback is less likely to harass. Short, regular meals help a lot.
Health and Common Issues
- Marine ich or velvet: Tiny white spots or dusty coating, fast breathing, scratching. Quarantine helps you spot and treat early.
- Flukes: Flashing or excess mucus. A quick freshwater dip (properly matched pH and temp) during quarantine can help diagnose.
- Weight loss from stress: If bullied, they may hide and miss meals. Adjust aquascape or stocking to restore confidence.
Keep a simple log of parameters and feedings. If something drifts, you’ll catch it fast.
Reef Compatibility: Corals, Clams, and Inverts
Great news for reef keepers: dottybacks do not nip coral polyps. They weave between branches and caves with zero interest in your acros, zoas, or fleshy LPS. Clams are typically ignored as well. The main consideration is very small shrimp—especially newly molted individuals. Provide hiding spaces, feed consistently, and you’ll likely never see an issue.
Breeding Notes (For the Curious)
Dottybacks are cave spawners. In captivity, pairs may use a piece of 1/2–3/4 inch PVC or a narrow rock crevice to lay eggs. The male tends to guard the clutch and fan it for oxygen. Raising the larvae is advanced, as they need tiny live foods (rotifers at first, then newly hatched brine). If breeding is a future goal, start with a known pair or a reputable aquaculture source and read up on larval foods and rearing tanks.
Captive-Bred or Wild-Caught?
Whenever possible, look for captive-bred dottybacks. They adapt readily to prepared foods, handle shipping better, and are usually calmer around tankmates. Ask your local shop which line they carry. The bonus: buying captive-bred supports sustainable aquarium practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a Black Neon Dottyback jump?
It’s not a chronic jumper, but any startled fish can leap. Use a mesh top, especially in smaller tanks.
Is it safe with a pair of clownfish?
Yes, in an appropriately sized tank with hiding spots. Add the dottyback after the clowns have found their lanes, and keep everyone well fed.
Can I keep two dottybacks together?
In small tanks, not recommended. In larger systems with complex rockwork, experienced keepers sometimes manage pairs or mixed species, but it’s a project. Start with one.
Does it eat pests?
They may take small worms or pods, but don’t rely on them for pest control. Consider them ornamental first, with a hearty appetite for prepared foods.
How long do they live?
With steady parameters and good feeding, 5–7 years isn’t unusual in home aquariums.
Quick Setup Checklist
- Tank: 20–30 gallons or larger
- Rockwork: Multiple caves and shaded retreats
- Water: 24–26°C, 1.024–1.026 SG, pH 8.1–8.4, stable nutrients
- Food: Mysis, enriched brine, quality marine pellets; feed small portions daily
- Tankmates: Peaceful-to-moderate species; avoid tiny shrimp in tight quarters
- Top: Mesh lid to prevent surprise leaps
Final Thoughts
The Black Neon Dottyback is small, striking, and full of personality. Set it up for success—room to claim a nook, steady water, and a steady meal plan—and it repays you with color and action you’ll notice every time you pass the tank. If your goal is a compact reef that still feels lively, this fish checks all the boxes. Plan your aquascape, pick tankmates with care, and let those neon lines glow under the lights. Simple, sharp, and surprisingly hardy—that’s the charm of this pocket-sized reef patrol.