also known as the Sankey's Dottyback, is a small and colorful saltwater fish that belongs to the Pseudochromidae family. They are popular among aquarium enthusiasts for their vibrant coloration and unique personality. In this article, we will cover various aspects of the Striped Dottyback, including its size, shape, coloration, behavior, and more.
Size:
The Striped Dottyback is a small fish, reaching an average length of around 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm).
BASIC/OVERALL SHAPE/FEATURES:
The Striped Dottyback has a slender, elongated body with a pointed snout and large eyes. They have two dorsal fins, the first one being the longest, and an anal fin. Their pectoral fins are small and their caudal fin is fan-shaped. They have a unique feature that sets them apart from other dottybacks - a dark stripe that runs down their entire body from the base of the dorsal fin to the caudal fin.
BODY COLOURATION/PATTERN:
The Striped Dottyback is predominantly purple in color, with a distinct dark stripe running down the center of their body. They also have yellow or white accents on their fins and face. The intensity of their coloration can vary depending on factors like age, sex, and mood.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR/FASHION:
The Striped Dottyback is a territorial and aggressive fish. They are known to be highly predatory and will attack other fish in their tank, especially those that are smaller in size. Due to their aggressive nature, they are best kept in a tank by themselves or with other similarly sized and tempered fish. They are not suitable for community tanks or tanks with passive fish.
In terms of diet, Striped Dottybacks are carnivores and require a diet rich in protein. They will eat a variety of foods, including live, frozen, and pellet foods. It's important to feed them small, frequent meals rather than a large meal once a day.
In conclusion, the Striped Dottyback is a beautiful, yet aggressive fish that requires careful consideration before adding to a tank. With proper care and attention, they can make a great addition to a saltwater aquarium, providing a unique and vibrant splash of color.