Sunrise Dottyback

The Sunrise Dottyback is a strikingly beautiful species endemic to the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Its body displays an exquisite combination of rich sapphire blue that covers most of the flanks and head, transitioning into a brilliant golden-yellow along the dorsal surface and back, creating a color pattern reminiscent of a sunrise horizon. This dual coloration makes it one of the most visually appealing dottybacks available in the marine hobby. At a maximum size of approximately 3 inches, it is a compact species perfectly suited for smaller reef aquariums.

In the wild, Sunrise Dottybacks inhabit shallow coral reef environments along the coastlines and offshore reefs of the Red Sea. They are found in rubble zones and among branching corals, where they establish small territories centered around a preferred crevice or hiding spot. Like their dottyback relatives, they are active predators of small crustaceans, zooplankton, and bristleworms. Their bold behavior and attractive coloration make them conspicuous inhabitants of their reef habitat despite their small size.

The Sunrise Dottyback is an excellent beginner-level species that combines outstanding hardiness with manageable temperament. While semi-aggressive like most dottybacks, it is generally considered one of the milder members of the Pseudochromis genus and tends to confine its territorial behavior to the immediate vicinity of its home cave. It readily accepts all types of prepared foods and is highly resistant to common marine diseases. Captive-bred specimens are available and recommended for their superior acclimation and reduced aggression. Provide rockwork with multiple caves and hiding spots, and introduce this species before more timid fish to minimize territorial conflicts.