Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 10/2 - Release Date: 10/23
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.
The Orange Finescale Dottyback (Lubbockichthys multisquamatus), scientifically recognized as the Finescale Dottyback, is a small reef-associated member of the dottyback family Pseudochromidae. Its compact adult size, elongated body and secretive reef-dwelling behavior distinguish it from many of the larger and more conspicuous dottybacks.
Lubbockichthys multisquamatus is native to the Indo-Pacific, occurring from the eastern Indian Ocean into the western and central Pacific. The California Academy of Sciences documents its range from Christmas and Cocos-Keeling Islands and Indonesia eastward to the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, north to Japan's Ryukyu Islands, and south to Australia's Great Barrier Reef and the Solomon Islands. Cal Academy Research Archive
In nature, this species is closely associated with reef structure. FishBase reports that it occurs inshore, in crevices near reef drop-offs, and inside caves. Its documented depth range extends from the surface to approximately 65 meters (213 feet), although it is usually encountered in the upper 20 meters. FishBase
This is a particularly small dottyback. FishBase records a maximum total length of only 7.5 cm, approximately 3 inches. The species has an elongated, laterally compressed body and may appear pink underwater. FishBase
In an aquarium, its natural preference for caves and crevices makes substantial rockwork important. Provide numerous protected retreats along with open areas where the fish can emerge to feed. Its small size does not eliminate the territorial tendencies associated with dottybacks, so adequate shelter is particularly important when it is housed with other small cave-dwelling fishes.
This specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Lubbockichthys multisquamatus (Allen, 1987)
Common Name: Finescale Dottyback
PEA Product Name: Orange Finescale Dottyback
Family: Pseudochromidae
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive / territorial around preferred shelter
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 3 inches / 7.5 cm total length FishBase
Diet: Carnivorous; offer appropriately sized meaty marine foods
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Aquarium Requirements: Provide a well-established aquarium with numerous caves, crevices and protected openings in the rockwork. This directly reflects its documented natural occurrence in reef crevices and caves, including areas near drop-offs. FishBase
Diet and Feeding: Offer small, appropriately sized carnivorous foods such as mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, copepods, finely chopped marine foods and nutritionally complete marine preparations. I would avoid making a more specific claim about its natural prey because the scientific references I found do not provide a sufficiently detailed species-level dietary study.
Temperament: Expect some territorial behavior around a preferred cave or crevice, particularly toward similarly shaped fishes competing for the same shelter. Multiple secure retreats can reduce competition.
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution. It is not documented as a coral-feeding species, but its small size and carnivorous feeding behavior mean I would avoid promising complete safety with extremely small ornamental crustaceans.
Secure Cover: A secure aquarium cover is recommended, especially during acclimation.
Natural Habitat: Tropical Indo-Pacific reefs, primarily inshore areas, caves and crevices near drop-offs. FishBase documents the species from 0–65 meters, but usually shallower than 20 meters. FishBase
