Dottyback Tanaka's - Medium

The Tanaka's Dottyback is a ray-finned fish species. They have a red beak that tapers off to a yellow body that hosts a thick black stripe running from the end of the head to the tip of the tail fin.

Throughout their lives, the species in this genus have small cycloid scales, a weakly honeycombed surface on some of their head bones.

There are no outward markings that can be utilised to distinguish males from females that are commonly known. Males can transform into females, if there are no females present, however females cannot change into males.

This species originates from the Indo-Pacific region. They are found as far north as the Ryukyu Islands in Japan all the way south to the Philippines and Indonesia.

Tank Recommendations for Tanaka's Dottyback

The smallest tank size that is recommended for this species is 115L. A well established reef tank with plenty of nooks and cranny’s for them to take shelter in is ideal. This Dottyback will also graze on the microorganisms in the tank between meals. Keeping this species with live corals shouldn't cause any issues as they won’t eat them.

The Tanaka's Dottyback likes to lay claim to and hide in its own cave. They will also be happy in a fish only tank too providing it has plenty of live rock with ample cracks and crevices for them to hide in.

Suitable Tank Buddies

They are relatively territorial, but in the wild, they normally live comfortably in a school. If you wish to keep many Tanaka's Dottybacks in the same tank, you should introduce them all at once to avoid aggression.

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, Clownfish, Batfish, Basslets, Hogfish, and Blennies make good tank mates for these Dottybacks. Dartfish, Butterflyfish, Gobies, Damselfish and Foxface/Rabbitfish are also all good choices for a varied and conflict-free environment.

Sometime Compatible

Other similar-looking fish should be introduced to the tank at the same time to avoid battles over territory. Caution is definitely advised.

Rarely Compatible

Keep them away from Lionfish, Eels, Snappers, Groupers, Triggerfish, and any other predatory fish that will view them as a meal if they can fit them into their mouths.

Feeding your Tanaka's Dottyback

The Tanaka's Dottyback favours meaty foods like brine shrimp or krill for food, although it has been said that they will also chase down and consume bristle worms. They'll eat flake, frozen, and pellet fish food as well if introduced to them early. You should feed your Dottyback's daily.