Manonichthys alleni
| Latin name | Manonichthys alleni - Gill, 2004 |
|---|---|
| Local name | Sabah dottyback |
| Family | Pseudochromidae - Manonichthys |
| Origin | Indonesia |
| Max length | 5 cm (2") |
| Minimum volume |
150 l (40 gal) 
|
|---|---|
| Hardiness |
Hardy
|
| Suitable for aquarium |
Suitable for most aquarium
|
| Reef safe |
Always reef safe
|
| Aggressiveness | Aggressive towards other species |
| Recommended |
Small crustaceans (Krill, mysis, artemia...) Zooplankton (Cyclops, pods...) |
|---|
This species is known to jump out of open aquaria.
This species must be fed with an appropriately varied diet.
These fish flourish better without other members of the same species in the aquarium.
They can live as a pair provided they are introduced simultaneously.
This species needs good hiding places, for example, between live rocks.
This species can change gender from female to male.
When a male is needed, a female changes sex and takes on the role.
This species can be aggressive when kept together with fish that are very similar, or if they are not provided with adequate space.
There is two variants of this species, one with a white tail as the one in the picture.
The other variant is yellow on the lower part of the body and has a yellow caudal fin.
This species is recognized by the red spots on the pelvic fins.
Dottybacks (Pseudochromidae) are often very colourful, rather hardy and relatively small, typically under 4 inch (10 cm). These fish can be distinguished from other fish by looking at the shape of the eye, see for example the picture of this: Hawkfish, Surgeonfish, Rabbitfish, Angelfish, Triggerfish, Clown/ Damselfish or Pufferfish.
Dottybacks will compete for food with other fish which eat zooplankton off the rocks. Mandarinfish and similar species can find it difficult to get enough food if kept together with Dottybacks.
One could consider the Gramma species, if one wishes a similar fish which is more peaceful.
| Aquarium trade | No |
|---|---|
| Distribution | Western Pacific: Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. |
Henry C. Schultz. 2002. The Dottybacks - Reefkeeping - (English)
Scott W. Michael. 2001. Basslets, Dottybacks & Hawkfishes: v. 2 (Reef Fishes) - TFH Publications / Microcosm Ltd. - (English)
Bob Fenner. The Dottybacks, Family Pseudochromidae - Wet Web Media - (English)
Collection of links to additional information - Wet Web Media - (English)