Care
The Arabian Dottyback - also known as the Neon or Orange Dottyback - is a cryptic species known from fringing reefs and bays with rocky rubble and abundant stony coral growth to depths of 20m (66ft). This colourful species has a somewhat belligerent personality, and is therefore best suited to a moderately aggressive community of sizeable, bold fish e.g. larger angelfish, tangs, hawkfish, and large damselfish. Definitely avoid housing with any small, timid fish or hesitant feeders. The aquarium must be mature and should include ample rockwork, arranged so that there is an abundance of small caves, crevices, channels, and overhangs that provide safe, shady retreats for this species. If the aquarium is very spacious, and has plenty of visual barriers amongst the decor, more than one specimen may be kept together if of the same size and introduced simultaneously - however do observe very carefully and separate if necessary. Do not keep with other members of the same genus. Will prey on ornamental shrimps, small/docile fish, fanworms, and bristleworms of all sizes (even those much larger than itself). The Arabian Dottyback should be the last fish added to the aquarium, otherwise it will show much aggression towards any newcomers introduced into what it perceives as its established domain. It is essential that the tank has tight fitting coverslides, as these fish are expert jumpers. Tank bred specimens are often available in the trade. P. dutoiti from the Western Indian Ocean is a very similar-looking species with a slightly greener body colouration.
Feeding
Offer a variety of small meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, plankton, finely shaved krill/mussel/cockle/clam etc. Some specimens will take prepared foods such as marine flake and pellets. Feed small amounts several times per day. A varied, nutritious diet will help to maintain the wonderful colours of these fish.
Breeding
This species has been bred in captivity. The male entices the female into spawning by performing an elaborate mating dance outside his chosen cave. If the female accepts the male, she will enter the cave and deposit several hundred eggs, which are simultaneously fertilised by the male. The male then drives the female away and takes on paternal care of the adhesive eggs, gently fanning them with his pectoral fins and even picking them up and moving them to a new location if he feels they are in danger. The eggs should hatch within 3-6 days (temperature dependent) and they remain in a larval state for around 30 days. As soon as the eggs hatch, parental care ceases, so you will need to separate the young from the parents and any other fish in the tank just prior to this event. Raising the larvae to adult fish is possible, but very challenging - you will need a ready supply of miniscule foodstuffs such as rotifers available at all times and water quality/tank hygiene must be continually monitored. The female fish can come off a bit the worse for wear following a spawning event (ripped fins, missing scales etc) so be sure to keep a close eye on water quality to ensure she recovers quickly.
