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    Dottybacks

    Neon dottyback

    Pseudochromis aldabraensis

    Also sold as Aldabra dottyback

    Neon dottyback (Pseudochromis aldabraensis), photographed in the sea or an aquarium
    Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Care level
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    10.2 cm in aquariums
    Minimum tank
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    With corals
    Reef safe with caution
    Captive-bred
    Captive-bred sold, limited
    IUCN status
    Least Concern
    Show volumes in

    How do you care for the neon dottyback?

    Semi-aggressive.

    Feeding

    Carnivore.

    Once daily in a reef.

    Tank and special needs

    Plan for at least 114 litres of water (the care sheet says 30 US gallons).

    Caves.

    Corals and invertebrates

    Eats ornamental shrimp; useful bristleworm predator (LiveAquaria).

    Which tankmates suit the neon dottyback?

    House with larger, moderately robust fish; not with small shrimp.

    Suggested order in a mixed tank: add last, after the peaceful fish have settled.

    More than one neon dottyback

    Keep one neon dottyback: two of the same species usually fight.

    Other fish

    Checked against the other 59 fish in this guide, assuming a tank big enough for both. Individual fish differ, so treat this as a starting point.

    Avoid together (3)

    • Royal dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    • Orchid dottybackBoth are Pseudochromis; close relatives defend the same space and food.
    • Magenta dottybackDo not mix dottyback species in a home tank; they fight over territory.
    Usually fine together (56)

    Invertebrates

    Only the invertebrates with a known risk are listed.

    Avoid together (4)

    • Skunk cleaner shrimpNeon dottyback eats ornamental shrimp such as the skunk cleaner shrimp.
    • Peppermint shrimpNeon dottyback eats ornamental shrimp such as the peppermint shrimp.
    • Camel shrimpNeon dottyback eats ornamental shrimp such as the camel shrimp.
    • Harlequin shrimpNeon dottyback eats ornamental shrimp such as the harlequin shrimp.

    Take care (2)

    • Tiger tail sea cucumberA stressed or dead tiger tail sea cucumber can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Sea appleA stressed or dead sea apple can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.

    Corals and anemones

    Only the corals and anemones with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (1)

    These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.

    Quarantine and health

    Standard.

    New fish are the most common way disease gets into a reef tank. Quarantine every fish in a separate tank before it joins the display, and choose a method that suits its tolerance of copper.

    Captive-bred or wild?

    Captive-bred available (LiveAquaria listing is captive-bred).

    Sources

    1. LiveAquaria (US retailer) care sheetRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: stats; note the page lists family as Labridae in error.
    2. FishBase species summaryRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: max length, IUCN.

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    Royal dottyback

    Pictichromis paccagnellae

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Jenny Huang, CC BY 2.0

    Orchid dottyback

    Pseudochromis fridmani

    Good first fish

    Care
    Beginner
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Mostly peaceful
    Corals
    Reef safe

    Photo Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Magenta dottyback

    Pictichromis porphyrea

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    8 cm
    Tank from
    114 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe

    Photo Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0