ORA Springer's Dottyback

Quick Stats

• Care Level: Easy
• Diet: Carnivore
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
• Reef-Safe: Yes
• Source: Captive Bred
• Approximate Purchase Size: 1.25"
• Approximate Max Size: 3"
• Recommended Tank Size: 20 Gallons or Larger

Overview

This fish is shipped directly to you with exceptional care and high-grade packaging specifically made for live animals from our partner, ORA. This animal is certified by the Mr. Chili Sustainability Alliance, meaning it is sustainably bred, was raised with exceptional husbandry practices, and 2% of net proceeds will be donated to support Ocean Conservation.

The Springer's Dottyback (Pseudochromis springeri), a beautiful dottyback from the Red Sea, is an excellent addition to the reef aquarium. Its coloration is black with blue lines running through the head region. Springer’s Dottyback is a very active, graceful swimmer and is a joy to watch working their way around the rockwork of a reef tank. As with other dottybacks, it may be territorial and aggressive towards its own kind. It is suggested that they be kept one per tank, unless paired or housed in a very large aquarium. 

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in appearance.

Aquarium Requirements

Aquarium Size

A minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, but a larger tank with more territory can help reduce aggression towards tankmates.

Habitat Recommendations

• Aquascaping: Incorporate plenty of live rock formations to create hiding spots. More live rock is especially helpful in reducing aggression and highlighting this fish's curious personality.
• Substrate: This fish has no specific substrate requirements and can be kept in aquariums using sand of various grain sizes, crushed coral, or no substrate at all.

Water Parameters

Maintaining proper water parameters is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish. While Dottybacks are considered relatively hardy, providing a stable environment will allow them to thrive and stay healthy.

• Temperature: 75-78°F
• pH Level: 7.7 to 8.5.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.026 (27-35ppt)
• Ammonia and Nitrite: Undetectable
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm

Diet

Dottybacks are Carnivores, meaning they rely on meaty foods for their nutrition. This fish isn't typically a picky eater and will accept food in a variety of forms. 

What to Feed

• Frozen Food: Mysis shrimp and other marine-based frozen blends are excellent choices. These foods offer strong nutritional value with a lower risk of overfeeding compared to dry options.
• Pellet Food: High-Quality pellets are a great option. Dottybacks prefer to feed in the water column, rather than at the water surface, so neutrally buoyant or slow sinking pellets work best.
• Flake Food: Flake foods are less popular among saltwater aquarists, but they can be used if they are formulated specifically for marine fish.

Feeding Frequency

Feed your Dottyback at least once per day. For optimal health, try to offer small, frequent meals throughout the day; 2-3 times is ideal if your schedule allows.

Compatibility

When it comes to tank mates, the Dottybacks are considered semi-aggressive. While peaceful a majority of the time, they may chase off any smaller fish that approach their territory.

Common Tank Mates

Here are some ideal tank mates:

• Fish: Clownfish, Cardinalfish, most Wrasse, Tangs, Dwarf Angelfish, and other peaceful fish.
• Invertebrates: Dottybacks won't bother most invertebrates, so Cleaner Shrimp, Hermit Crabs, Snails, Urchins, and more are all safe to keep. Some hobbyists report that they are good bristle worm eaters.
• Coral: The Springer's Dottyback is considered Reef Safe and can be kept with Soft, LPS, or SPS coral.

Behavioral Notes

• Group Behavior: The Dottybacks often show aggression towards their own species in smaller aquariums. With a larger tank and enough live rock, they can be kept in pairs or small groups. If you'd like to keep multiple, it's a good idea to add them all at the same time.
• Jumping: Dottybacks are known to be jumpers, so a tight-fitting top is highly recommended.

Acclimation Process

Acclimation instructions are included in each box, but if you misplaced yours or want to know what to expect ahead of time, you can always find an extra copy here: Fish Acclimation Instructions