QUICK STATS

Care Level: Moderate
Diet: Carnivore
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef-Safe: Yes, With Caution Around Tiny Shrimp
Source: See Options
Approximate Purchase Size: 1-2"
Approximate Max Size: Around 2"
Recommended Tank Size: 30 Gallons or Larger

RED SEROSA DOTTYBACK

The Red Serosa Dottyback (Pseudoplesiops typus) is a small, rarely seen dottyback known for its bright pink to red coloration, bold personality, and secretive rock-dwelling behavior. Males typically display richer pink to red tones, while females may appear paler with yellow-green coloration near the body and fins. Tiny fish, dramatic wardrobe. Naturally.

This species is a great choice for aquariums with plenty of live rock, caves, and crevices. Like many dottybacks, the Red Serosa Dottyback spends much of its time moving in and out of rockwork, using tight spaces for shelter and territory. It can be shy at first, but once established, it usually becomes more confident and visible.

The Red Serosa Dottyback is generally considered reef-safe, but caution should be used with very small ornamental shrimp or tiny invertebrates. It should also be housed with tank mates that can handle a fish with some attitude, because dottybacks are proof that being two inches long does not prevent anyone from having landlord energy.

Note: Image is a representation of what to expect. The fish you receive may vary slightly in size, color, pattern, and overall appearance.

AQUARIUM REQUIREMENTS

AQUARIUM SIZE

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons or larger is recommended for a Red Serosa Dottyback. Although this species stays small, it benefits from enough space to establish territory and avoid constant conflict with tank mates. JM Corals also recommends an established saltwater aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of live rock, caves, and crevices.

HABITAT RECOMMENDATIONS

Red Serosa Dottybacks do best in established aquariums with secure hiding places and stable conditions.

Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock with caves, tunnels, and overhangs. This gives the fish shelter and allows it to behave naturally.

Substrate: Sand or fine aragonite works well and helps create a natural reef-style environment.

Rockwork: A generous amount of rock structure is highly recommended. This species may be shy when first introduced and will feel more secure with multiple hiding options.

Tank Cover: A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Small reef fish are annoyingly talented at finding the one uncovered gap because apparently physics was not irritating enough.

WATER PARAMETERS

Stable water quality is important for keeping dottybacks healthy and active. Red Serosa Dottybacks are generally hardy once established, but they should still be kept in clean, consistent marine conditions.

Temperature: 72-78°F
pH Level: 8.1-8.4
Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity
Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
Ammonia, Nitrite, and Nitrate: Ammonia and nitrite should remain undetectable. Nitrate should be kept as low as reasonably possible, ideally below 20 ppm.
Water Flow: Low to moderate flow is ideal. Provide enough movement to keep the tank oxygenated and move waste toward filtration, while still allowing the fish to comfortably navigate rockwork.

DIET

Red Serosa Dottybacks are carnivores and should be offered a varied diet of small meaty marine foods. In the aquarium, they usually accept frozen and prepared foods once settled.

PRIMARY DIET

Frozen Food: Offer mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped krill, marine carnivore blends, and other small frozen foods.

Prepared Foods: High-quality marine pellets or flakes can be offered once the fish is eating reliably. Smaller pellet sizes are best for this species.

Supplemental Foods: Copepods, amphipods, and other small meaty foods can help encourage natural hunting behavior in established reef tanks.

FEEDING FREQUENCY

Feed small amounts 1-2 times per day. In tanks with faster or more aggressive feeders, make sure the dottyback gets enough food before the local wrasse-shaped vacuum cleaner steals everything.

COMPATIBILITY

The Red Serosa Dottyback can be kept with a variety of reef-safe fish, but tank mate selection should be done carefully. Like many dottybacks, it can become territorial, especially toward similar-shaped fish or very timid tank mates.

COMMON TANK MATES

Fish: Clownfish, cardinalfish, wrasses, gobies, blennies, dwarf angelfish, peaceful tangs in larger tanks, and other semi-bold community fish.

Avoid: Very timid fish, tiny passive gobies, and other dottybacks unless the aquarium is large enough with plenty of territory. Avoid housing with fish that are too aggressive or likely to harass it.

Invertebrates: Generally safe with most snails, hermit crabs, and larger shrimp. Use caution with very small ornamental shrimp.

Coral: The Red Serosa Dottyback is considered reef-safe and should not bother soft corals, LPS, SPS, or most sessile invertebrates. Top Shelf Aquatics also lists it as reef safe.

BEHAVIORAL NOTES

Temperament: Semi-aggressive. This fish is small but can be bold once established.

Territoriality: May defend caves or rockwork, especially from similar-sized or similarly shaped fish.

Hiding Behavior: New arrivals may hide frequently at first. This is normal and usually improves once the fish adjusts.

Reef Compatibility: Generally reef-safe, though caution is recommended with very small shrimp or tiny ornamental invertebrates.

Activity Level: Often seen darting around rockwork rather than constantly swimming in open water.

Jumping: A tight-fitting lid is strongly recommended.

ACCLIMATION PROCESS

This acclimation method helps reduce stress by gradually introducing the fish to your aquarium’s temperature and water chemistry.

1. TURN OFF THE LIGHTS & ATO

Turn off aquarium lights to reduce stress. If you have an Auto Top Off system, switch it off before starting acclimation.

2. FLOAT THE BAG

Float the sealed bag in the aquarium for 15-20 minutes to allow the temperature in the bag to equalize with the tank.

3. OPEN BAG, ADD FISH TO CONTAINER

Carefully open the bag and transfer the fish and shipping water into a clean bucket or container.

4. ACCLIMATE USING TANK WATER

Add 1/4 cup of tank water to the container every 5 minutes for 40 minutes.

5. TRANSFER FISH TO AQUARIUM

Once acclimation is complete, use a net or specimen container to gently transfer the fish into the aquarium. Discard the shipping water. Do not pour shipping water into your aquarium.

6. REFILL THE AQUARIUM WITH SALTWATER

You may need to replace the saltwater removed during acclimation with fresh mixed saltwater.