Striped Dottyback
Pseudochromis sankeyi
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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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 | Pest Control |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 20 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis sankeyi) is an active rockwork hunter that often picks through crevices for small bristleworms and other tiny hitchhikers. Its high-contrast striping and streamlined body stand out even when it’s weaving in and out of caves. This species is commonly seen in the Gulf of Aden and the southern Red Sea region.
What You’ll Observe:
- Short, quick patrols along the rockwork, followed by pauses to hover at a favorite opening
- “Peeking” behavior—watching the tank from a cave, then darting out when food hits the water
- Confident feeding on small meaty foods, especially when offered near its preferred hiding spots
- Brief fin-flares and posturing around its chosen area, then returning to normal cruising
Provide plenty of rock with multiple holes and tunnels so it can choose a home base and still move naturally through the aquascape. Offer a variety of small meaty foods (like mysis and other finely sized frozen blends) on a consistent schedule. A covered aquarium helps support secure, uninterrupted day-to-day activity.
Is it normal for a striped dottyback to “claim” one cave and guard it?
Yes—many settle into a home base and treat nearby openings as their preferred zone, especially once they’re fully acclimated.
Can I keep two Striped Dottybacks together?
In larger systems with lots of rockwork, some hobbyists have success by adding them at the same time and providing many separate bolt-holes so neither fish controls the entire layout.
Will it interact with shrimp in a typical reef tank?
Keepers often report corals are ignored, but very small shrimp can draw attention; larger established shrimp and ample hiding structure tend to make cohabitation smoother.
Why does it flare its fins at fish that swim by?
That quick “display” is a common dottyback communication behavior and often shows up most around the area it considers home.
How do I make sure it eats well in a fast-feeding community tank?
Feeding a small portion near the rockwork first (then feeding the rest of the tank) is a simple way to ensure it gets consistent bites without needing special tools.
Our selection process means you get robust, well-adjusted specimens that settle in quickly.
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