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Interesting Facts about the Splendid Dottyback
[Phylum: Chordata] [Class: Actinopterygii] [Order: Blenniiformes] [Family: Pseudochromidae]
Dottybacks are small marine ray-finned fish with eye-catching colours and a spirited personality. They can also be quite aggressive, especially when defending their territory.
This section contains information about the splendid dottyback (Manonichthys splendens), including where to find them, what they eat, and how they breed.
Where Do Splendid Dottybacks Come From
You may have already seen some of the dottyback species if you enjoy snorkel swimming or keeping fish in an aquarium.
Outside of captivity, the splendid dottyback (Manonichthys splendens) is native to the Indo-West Pacific, especially the islands in Indonesia, including the shallow coral reefs around:
- Flores (one of the Lesser Sunda Islands)
- Komodo National Park
- Timor Island in the Timor Sea
You may also find the dottyback fish species living in some temperate waters of marine habitats around the world (e.g. water temperatures ranging between 22° and 25° Celsius).
Pro Tip: The fish family Pseudochromidae is a large and diverse group that includes more than 150 different types of dottybacks. As a consequence, dottybacks are popular in the aquarium trade and kept as colourful pets in many small to medium-sized aquariums.
Splendid Dottyback Characteristics
One of the striking features of the splendid dottyback fish is the intensity of colouration. The body is a rich display of blue, pink, gold, and bright yellow set in a checkerboard pattern.
Even though most of the dottyback species are brightly coloured, there are striking differences between males and females, a phenomenon defined as sexual dimorphism.
Here's the thing:
Manonichthys splendens are small, and rarely grow more than twelve (12) centimetres long (5 inches). Their body shape is best described as elongated with a prominent dorsal fin (similar to basslets fish).
They are small enough to hide underneath ledges and inside the crevices of coral reef structures - even at depths approaching 35 metres (115 feet).
Yet, they are quite a territorial feisty fish species and they can also be somewhat aggressive in nature - especially the males.
Fun Fact: The sunrise dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) is the least aggressive dottyback. It is a member of the family Pseudochromidae and native to the Western Indian Ocean.
What Do Splendid Dottybacks Eat?
When kept in a fish tank, these miniature carnivores can be fed on a variety of meaty foods, especially brine and mysis shrimp, or finely chopped seafood.
Outside of captivity, most types of dottyback get their nourishment by feeding on tiny saltwater crustaceans and most small size invertebrates.
Hence, their preferred daily intake is likely to include:
Lifespan and Reproduction of Dottybacks
The spawning season for species that live in tropical water may occur at any time during the year. However, those that inhabit subtropical and temperate areas tend to wait for the warmer months to spawn.
When the breeding season begins, dottybacks are oviparous, which means the female lays eggs. The males guard the eggs until they hatch - usually scattered in various cavities in the reef.
The larvae become part of the plankton bloom for the first few weeks. Then, they should have grown large enough to join the adult community.
Threats and Predators
The current population status of Manonichthys splendens is "Least Concern", according to the endangered species red list.
Despite that, some of the major contributing factors for the decline in certain vulnerable areas include:
- Ocean acidification
- Habitat destruction
- Coral reef destruction
- Overfishing
Dottybacks live for about seven (7) years when kept in captive environments. Even so, they have an important ecological role in their natural habitats, including:
- Helping to control excessive populations of small invertebrates and fish.
- Contributing to the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems.
- Dottybacks are popular prey for moray eels and larger fish. As a result, they are a vital part of the food chain.
Fun Fact: In general, most aquarium enthusiasts find dottybacks easy fish to take care of and often breed them in captivity.
Related Information and Help Guides
- Basslet Fish Facts and Species Information with Pictures
- Fun Facts about Red Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica)
- Slingjaw Wrasse Facts and Information with Pictures
- Dottyback Fish Facts and Information with Pictures
- Flashlight Fish: Why is it Called the Lantern Eye Fish?
- What are Some Funny Scientific Names for Fish Species?
Note: The short video clip [1:49 seconds] presented by "LiveAquaria" showcases the orchid dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) kept in marine aquariums - especially by beginners.