Splendid Dottyback

Manonichthys spendens

The splendid dottyback (Manonichthys spendens, Fowler 1931) is a stunning member of the dottybacks, featuring a vivid yellow and purple coloration. The name Manonichthys means sponge fish, referring to the sponges which this species is often their territory.

The splendid dottyback has a very adamant nature, making it suitable for semi-aggressive aquariums as they will defend whatever territory it claims. Adults reach sizes up to 4 inches, thus they should be kept in tanks of 30 gallons or greater. Their diet consists mostly of frozen meaty foods.

Physical description – The splendid dottyback has beautiful colorations. It has yellow dotting with blue overlay throughout its body. Their tail fin is yellow with a white line at the end. Its dorsal fin is a dark blue fading to purple, with blue markings across its eyes and yellow in the center of its head.  Males tend to be larger than females.

Temperament– Splendid dottybacks are very territorial. In nature, they occupy territories around corals and the base of sponges. They usually live either in pairs or solitarily. As such, captive individuals or pairs should be kept in tanks with other semi-aggressive fish. They will defend themselves and their territory against even much larger tankmates.  The splendid dottyback often preys on small shrimp, thus keeping shrimp in the same tank is not advised.

Size– Adults will range in size from 8 to 13 cm in length with males typically being larger than females.

Diet– A mixed diet of frozen foods and dry pellets or flakes are recommended to ensure proper health and nutrition. Like all the captive-bred fish at Sustainable Aquatics, the Dry Hatchery Diet  is highly recommended. These fish are accustomed to the food and will readily accept it!

Distribution– Splendid dottybacks may be found throughout the Indo-Pacific, at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters usually in association with lagoons or seaward reef faces. On the reef they are most commonly found in and around sponge and coral formations.

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