Lined Dottybacks
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
These dottybacks should only be kept with other large, aggressive fish species. Scott W. Michael
[edit] Overview
Labracinus dottybacks can be glamorous, interesting additions to the predatory reef aquarium. Before acquiring one, however, know that they are some of the most aggressive members of the dottyback family and are only suitable for tanks that contain larger, more belligerent fish species.
Family: Pseudochromidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
Maximum length: 25 cm (10 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Marine 24 °C (297 K, 75 °F) - 28 °C (301 K, 82 °F)
[edit] Feeding
Meaty foods, including chopped marine fish and crustacean flesh. Feed two to four times per week.
[edit] Aquarium Compatibility
Very aggressive. They are a threat to ornamental crustaceans and regularly eat small fishes. Although it is a risky proposition, they can be kept in male-female pairs if the aquarium is large enough (over 135 gallons [513 L]) and if the two in the pair are introduced simultaneously.
One effective way to introduce potential pair members (and keep them from fighting) is to divide the aquarium with a pane of glass or acrylic and let them habituate to each other for several days before pulling out the divider.
[edit] Notes
The Labracinus species are: L. atrofasciatus, L. cyclophthalma (Fire-tail Devil), L. lineatus (Lined Dottyback), L. melanotaenia (Darkstriped Dottyback).
| Common name | Lined Dottybacks + |
| Family | Pseudochromidae + |
| Genus | Labracinus + |
| Image credit | SWM + |
| Maximum length | 10 in + |
| Minimum aquarium size | 30 gal + |
| Native range | Western Pacific +, and Eastern Indian Ocean + |
| Reference | A PocketExpert Guide to Reef Aquarium Fishes + |
| Specific name | spp. + |
| Text credit | SWM + |
| Water max temp | 301 K (28 °C, 82 °F) + |
| Water min temp | 297 K (24 °C, 75 °F) + |
| Water type | Marine + |