Common name: Double-striped dottyback

General information

The Fridman's Dottyback, or Two-stripe Dottyback, is a small and colorful marine fish known for its striking appearance and bold personality. It is a member of the Pseudochromidae family, which is characterized by vibrant colors and elongated bodies. The species is named after the marine biologist Dr. Fridman, who contributed to its discovery and description.

Care

Fridman's Dottyback is a hardy species that can be a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. It requires an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to mimic its natural habitat. This fish is known for being territorial, so it's important to introduce it to a well-established tank with a stable hierarchy of fish to prevent aggression. A varied diet of meaty foods, such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, will help maintain its health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Fridman's Dottybacks can breed if provided with the right conditions. They are cave spawners, laying their eggs in a secure crevice or cave where the male will guard and tend to the eggs until they hatch. The larvae are planktonic and can be raised with appropriate live foods in a separate rearing tank.

Habitat

Pseudochromis bitaeniatus is native to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It typically inhabits coral reefs and rocky outcrops where it can be found darting among the crevices. This species is adept at blending into its surroundings, which helps it avoid predators and also ambush prey.