Ring Eyed Dottyback

Not all that common in the aquarium trade, but exclusive in its beauty, the Ring Eyed Dottyback is a gemmy addition to your nano reef setup. Displaying distinct sexual dichromatism, male specimens are predominantly pinkish red, while females are paler pink with gradations of yellow-green where the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins meet the body.

Also known as the Big-Eye Dottyback or Hidden Basslet (it's notoriously secretive), the Ring Eyed Dottyback inhabits crevices within reef faces and lagoons at depths of 20 to 30 feet. In the aquarium, they will mostly hide in the rockwork, but will occasionally dash out from cover to snag pieces of food once fully acclimated.

While not too aggressive to other tankmates, the Ring-Eyed Dottyback may pick on smaller, passive species such as nano gobies in small aquariums. It's best to keep only one per tank, unless the aquarium is quite large. To promote prime coloration and reduce common fading in the aquarium, feed a varied diet supplemented with color-enhancing foods including vitamin enriched brine, mysis shrimp and quality prepared carnivore foods.

Approximate Purchase Size: Male - Small: 1/2" to 1-1/4"; Male - Medium: 1-1/4" to 2"; Male - Large: 2" to 3"; Female - Small 1/2" to 1-1/4"; Female - Medium: 1-1/4" to 2-1/4"