Care
The Electric Indigo Dottyback is a hybrid of the Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani) and the Striped Dottyback (P. sankeyi) originally created by ORA in Florida. The first generation of this hybrid fish - known simply as the Indigo Dottyback - was rather more magenta and less stripy, but subsequent breedings have refined the characteristics to that of the Electric Indigo Dottyback that is pictured here, with more of a blue-turquoise hue and distinct horizontal stripes. This charming little fish is fairly peaceful as far as Dottybacks are concerned, and it makes a wonderful addition to reef aquaria where no small ornamental crustaceans are present. Be aware that adults will eat small shrimp, but they will also prey on many invertebrate pests; small fireworms are consumed with relish. 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 fish. Electric Indigo Dottybacks generally mix well with other community type reef inhabitants, but occasional specimens can be a little territorial (although this is more likely to occur in smaller aquaria where space/hiding places are at a premium). Nevertheless, they should be one of the last fish introduced to the tank. Do not house with any large, aggressive species, as the dottyback will be very easily intimidated and may refuse to come out and feed, leading to starvation. 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, if the system is on the smaller side, it really is best to keep just the one specimen and not with any easily bullied tankmates. It is essential that the tank has tight fitting coverslides, as Electric Indigo Dottybacks are expert jumpers. As with other dottybacks, these fish can readily change colour, depending on mood, time of day, or comfort level. Although hybrid fish are not to everyone's liking (there will always be pros and cons associated with this practice), once settled, these hardy and relatively peaceable dottybacks are really quite stunning.
Feeding
Offer a variety of small meaty foods such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, plankton, chopped krill/mussel/cockle/clam etc. Some specimens will take prepared foods such as marine flake and pellets.
Breeding
This hybrid has not been bred in the home aquarium. It is, as yet, unclear as to whether the fish are fecund.
