Neon Dottybacks are a beautiful orange color with neon blue stripes on the dorsal fin, gill cover and tail. A similar species, P. dutoiti, found along the East African coast, is almost identical with some authors claiming they are the same fish. This is a very popular reef tank species, which was once commonly imported from the Persian Gulf. Now it is hardly ever seen from the wild. They grow to about 3.5 inches in length, and they are one of the larger dottybacks we offer.
Neon Dottybacks can be aggressive in community tanks with small fish and it is suggested that they are introduced as one of the last fish to the tank. They prefer rocky shelter and live alone or in pairs in caves and crevices.
Once a pair of Neon Dottybacks has started spawning, they will continue to spawn every 10 days under ideal conditions. The eggs hatch in 5-6 days and will remain as larval fish for about 30 days until metamorphosis.
Be sure to check out the Black Neon Dottyback, an incredible hybrid between the Neon and Springeri Dottybacks.
