Red Spotted Dottyback
Pholidochromis cerasina
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
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| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 3 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Red Spotted Dottyback (Pholidochromis cerasina) is a small dottyback with a red base color and fine spotting that stands out best when it pauses at the edge of a cave or ledge. In reef tanks it tends to stay tight to rockwork and uses cracks, tunnels, and overhangs as its main route around the aquarium.
What You’ll Observe:
- Short, quick dashes between hiding spots, with frequent peek out pauses from a favorite crevice
- A fast response at feeding time, grabbing meaty foods in brief bursts before returning to cover
- Consistent use of one or two preferred holes, especially once it has settled in
- Mostly minding its own business, with the most interest shown toward fish that want the same cave system
For best results, provide plenty of live rock with multiple tight crevices and several separated hideouts so it can pick a home area. Offer small meaty foods like mysis, enriched brine, and finely chopped seafood once or twice daily, and keep a snug lid to contain quick surface dashes.
Why do I only see it at feeding time (or it seems to vanish for days)?
Many dottybacks settle in by staying deep in the rockwork at first, then become more regular once they map out a safe route.
Is it a jumper?
It can make sudden dashes, especially during the first week or two, so a tight-fitting lid helps keep it in the display.
Will it go after ornamental shrimp?
It is usually coral-safe, but very small shrimp can be viewed as food; larger shrimp are often left alone once the fish is well-fed.
Can it be kept with a Royal Gramma?
They both like similar caves, so success is higher when the rockwork offers multiple separate hideouts and each fish can claim its own area.
Do dottybacks change pattern or show faint stripes sometimes?
Some individuals show temporary bars or shifting contrast during settling-in, mild sparring, or lighting changes, and then return to their usual look.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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