What is your experience with Splendid Dottyback aggression?

[Tanster2]

Hi ARC, considering adding one of these to my new setup in a few weeks. I've ready that they can be really big jerks like all other dotterbacks. Do you think I would be okay adding one to a 46 gallon cube with a 7 year old clown and a tailspot goby. Just dont wanna risk my old girl getting hurt.

 

[jcook54]

They used to be one of my go-to fish and I had one in both of my main systems for years. They are dottybacks but I never had an issue with any of the one's I've kept. I've always kept them with a clown but, in your situation, I would be a bit nervous about the tail spot goby. Splendids are awesome fish but they will work over anything that occupies the same reef=space and anyone that looks similar. I've moved on to the much more chill Royal Gramma to occupy the same place in my tanks nowadays.

 

[Tanster2]

They used to be one of my go-to fish and I had one in both of my main systems for years. They are dottybacks but I never had an issue with any of the one's I've kept. I've always kept them with a clown but, in your situation, I would be a bit nervous about the tail spot goby. Splendids are awesome fish but they will work over anything that occupies the same reef=space and anyone that looks similar. I've moved on to the much more chill Royal Gramma to occupy the same place in my tanks nowadays.

Thanks for the good info! I think I'll pass. Considering a melanurus or yellow coris for a 46 gallon cube too, but just dont wanna risk anything too aggressive!

 

[jcook54]

Here's the thing - I finally got away from the Splendid's because I wanted a wrasse and they really don't get on well. In your situation I would go with the yellow coris because I've never been too thrilled with the malanurus I've kept in the past. They always hid...a lot. I know there are some that are quite gregarious but between those two - I'd go with the coris.

 

[Tanster2]

Here's the thing - I finally got away from the Splendid's because I wanted a wrasse and they really don't get on well. In your situation I would go with the yellow coris because I've never been too thrilled with the malanurus I've kept in the past. They always hid...a lot. I know there are some that are quite gregarious but between those two - I'd go with the coris.

Went with a yellow coris wrasse and so far it's one of the most docile fish I have ever owned. It's about 3 inches long and hides in the sand from about 6pm to 10 am. Very chill little guy.

 

[jcook54]

They really are one of the best. I'm in the process of rehoming an eel (I need to catch him) and I'm getting another yellow coris as soon as I do.

 

[Cuso]

My melanurus is actually pretty active in the tank and out all day...one of my favorites. Actually just added a yellow coris too and they all seemed to be getting on well first day but now he's disappeared into the sand for the better part of 2 days...will see what happens when he finally (hopefully) decides to emerge again

 

[Burritosanchito]

dottybacks will be fine with those other fish. The splendid is a more docile species as well. They just don’t like other similar shaped fish.