Double Striped Dottyback

Pseudochromis bitaeniatus

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Dottybacks Family: Pseudochromidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Double Striped Dottyback

General information

The Double Striped Dottyback is a lively Pseudochromis that adds dynamic energy to any marine aquarium setup. While it may lack some of the visual flairs of its more wildly-colored cousins, the Double Striped Dottyback is an eye-catching fish nonetheless. The Double Striped Dottyback showcases a gorgeous mango-colored head accentuated by wide, horizontal stripes that run the entire length of the body. The monochromatic head of the Double Striped Dottyback is visually set off by sophisticated, layered striping comprised of a lighter, creamy band sandwiched by darkly-colored stripes reminiscent of ripe black grapes. As these color layers extend past the peduncle, it tapers and terminates to a spear point producing an unusual visual effect. The culmination is a bold and graphic color pattern that adds an exciting pop of color while embracing an exercise in restraint.
Due to its size, many hobbyists maybe first inclined to house the Double Striped Dottyback in a relatively small aquarium. Create ample crevices and caves for the Double Striped Dottyback. Similar to other Dottyback species, it is recommended to house the Double Striped Dottyback singly unless the aquarium is very large. Because of its energetic personality, the Double Striped Dottyback is well-suited in larger community marine aquariums where it will be content managing its territory while other tankmates go about their business. Be mindful that the Double Striped Dottyback will eat ornamental shrimp if the opportunity presents itself.

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