Double-Striped Dottyback

The Double-Striped Dottyback is a boldly patterned species featuring two prominent dark longitudinal stripes running along its flanks, set against a brownish to olive body with subtle blue or purple iridescence. While not the most colorful dottyback in the hobby, its interesting pattern and useful bristleworm-eating habits have earned it a niche following among reef aquarists who value function alongside form. This species is a skilled hunter of small pests that hide within the reef structure.

This species is one of the more aggressive dottybacks and should be housed with caution in community aquariums. In the wild, Double-Striped Dottybacks are fiercely territorial, defending their chosen crevice or cave from all intruders. This territorial behavior intensifies in the confines of an aquarium, where they can become significant bullies toward smaller or more timid tankmates. They are best suited for tanks with robust, assertive species that can hold their own against the dottyback's advances.

Despite its aggressive temperament, the Double-Striped Dottyback offers a genuine benefit to reef aquariums: it is an exceptional predator of bristleworms, flatworms, and other small invertebrate pests. Aquarists dealing with bristleworm infestations often introduce this species as a biological control agent. A well-structured aquascape with plenty of caves and hiding spots helps diffuse territorial aggression. The species requires intermediate-level care due to its aggressive nature and the need for careful tankmate selection.