Multi Colored Dottyback

(Ogilbyina novaehollandiae)

Ogilbyina Dottybacks are hardy, and easy to feed. Plenty of rock work with cracks, caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. They will eat crustaceans, polychaete worms, bristleworms, mantis shrimp and small fish. A diet of meaty based foods should be provided daily. Ogilbyina Dottybacks are very territorial and very aggressive towards other fish. Ogilbyina Dottybacks should only be housed with larger fish that are not easily harrassed such as large Eels, Angelfish, Tangs, Groupers, Squirrelfish, Snappers, Triggers and Rabbitfish. Color differences will be seen between juveniles, females and males.

The Multi Colored Dottyback is also known as the Australian Dottyback. Rarely seen in the aquarium trade. Multi Colored Dottybacks as it name suggests have a bounty of different colors depending on its age and sex. Juveniles may be a light pink with a yellow head. Smaller females may have orange, pink or yellow with slightlyly red short bars close to the dorsal fin. Larger females are mostly gray to black with red bellies. The males generally have a gray to black body color with an orange head and yellow tail. Most will have some of their fins trimmed in blue. They can grow to almost 4".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 50 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorSocialSocial BehaviorAgressiveAgressive
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food DietLive FoodLive Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium