Diadema Dottyback

The Diadema Dottyback is an attractive and hardy small reef fish distinguished by its vivid coloration. The body is predominantly bright yellow, overlaid with a bold purple to magenta stripe that runs along the top of the head and dorsal surface, creating a distinctive crown-like pattern that inspired both its scientific name (diadema meaning crown) and its common name. At a maximum size of just 3 inches, this compact species is well-suited for nano and small reef aquariums while providing a striking color combination that stands out beautifully against live rock and coral.

Native to shallow reef habitats in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Philippines and Indonesia, the Diadema Dottyback inhabits crevices and holes in coral rubble and reef rock. It is a territorial species that maintains a small home range centered around its preferred hiding spot, from which it darts out to capture passing zooplankton and small crustaceans. Like other members of the Pseudochromis genus, it is an active hunter of bristleworms and will help control these common reef pests.

The Diadema Dottyback is an excellent beginner species due to its exceptional hardiness, resistance to common marine diseases, and eager acceptance of all types of prepared foods. Its semi-aggressive temperament is manageable in properly aquascaped tanks with sufficient hiding places. While it will defend its chosen cave from fish that venture too close, it is generally less pugnacious than some of its more notorious relatives such as the Strawberry Dottyback. Captive-bred specimens are widely available and tend to be even more docile, making them the preferred choice for community reef setups.