Common name: Lined dottyback
General information
The Lined Dottyback, Labracinus lineatus, is a striking fish known for its vibrant coloration and bold personality. This species is a member of the family Pseudochromidae and is appreciated by aquarists for its hardiness and relatively small size, making it a suitable candidate for various aquarium setups.
Dottybacks are known for their territorial nature, and the Lined Dottyback is no exception. It exhibits a deep red to maroon body color with a distinctive horizontal black stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail. This coloration not only makes it a standout in the aquarium but also serves as camouflage in its natural habitat.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 200 liter (53 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 15 cm (6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Social
- Solo
- Reefsafe
- No
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDottybacksPseudochromidae
- GenusDottybackLabracinus
- SpeciesLined dottybackLabracinus lineatus (Castelnau, 1875)
- SynonymsDampieria ignita Scott, 1959Dampieria lineata Castelnau, 1875Labricinus lineatus (Castelnau, 1875)
Care
Lined Dottybacks are hardy fish that can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions. They thrive in well-established tanks with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to mimic their natural environment. While they are generally peaceful, they can become territorial, especially towards conspecifics or similar-sized fish. It's advisable to introduce them last into the aquarium to minimize aggression.
A varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood, will help maintain their health and coloration. They are also known to accept high-quality pellet and flake foods.
Reproduction
In the wild, Lined Dottybacks are secretive spawners, laying their eggs in crevices or caves. In the aquarium, breeding can be challenging due to their territorial nature. However, with a well-structured environment and careful selection of a breeding pair, hobbyists can encourage spawning. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.
Habitat
Lined Dottybacks are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea to the western Pacific. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops, often taking refuge in crevices and overhangs. They are usually seen at depths ranging from 1 to 30 meters.
Their natural habitat's complexity should be replicated in the home aquarium to provide a sense of security and to support their natural behaviors.