Double Striped Dottyback
Pseudochromis bitaeniatus
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 5 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Double Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis bitaeniatus) is a slender Indo–West Pacific dottyback known for its clean, lengthwise striping and “in-and-out” rockwork cruising style. It stays closely associated with caves and crevices, so it reads as a fish that’s always part of the aquascape rather than a constant open-water swimmer.
What You’ll Observe:
- Quick, short patrols along the same rock faces, followed by sudden returns to a favorite crevice
- A “peek-and-dart” routine where it watches from cover, then moves with purpose between hiding spots
- Strong food response at feeding time, often grabbing items as they drift past its cave entrance
- A clear day/night shift, with the fish retiring deep into the rockwork when lights go down
To succeed, provide a rockscape with multiple small caves so it can claim a home base and still move through the tank naturally. Offer a variety of meaty frozen foods and small prepared options on a consistent schedule, and use a tight-fitting lid to match the dottyback’s fast, exploratory movement.
Why did my dottyback “disappear” for days and then show up again?
It’s common for dottybacks to spend long stretches deep in the rockwork once they pick a secure sleeping and retreat spot. As they settle in, they usually develop a more predictable “peek-out” routine around feeding times.
Is it normal for a dottyback to “blow” or fan water at a new coral or shrimp?
Many keepers report dottybacks investigating new additions by hovering close and fanning water or nudging nearby. This is typically exploratory behavior as the fish learns what changed in its territory.
Will it eat pellets, or does it only take frozen foods?
Most dottybacks can learn pellets quickly once they associate the water surface and feeding area with food. Mixing pellets with frozen foods for a week or two often helps it switch over smoothly.
How can I make adding a new goby or basslet go more smoothly with a dottyback already in the tank?
Many hobbyists have better results by briefly resetting territories (small rock shifts) and using a short separation/acclimation period so the new fish can find its own hiding spot first.
Can I keep two dottybacks together?
It’s sometimes done as a confirmed pair, but success is most consistent when they’re introduced together and given plenty of separate bolt-holes in the rockwork.
We work with trusted suppliers who keep our specimens healthy and well-fed before shipping.
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