Manonichthys polynemus

(Fowler, 1931)

Longfin Dottyback

Range: Indo-West Pacific Ocean: Indonesia and Palau.

Size: 5 inches (12 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits steep outer reef slopes containing dense coral growths and is usually found between depths of 6 to 65 feet (2 – 20 m) where it feeds on smaller fishes and crustaceans.

General Husbandry: Rarely seen in the trade, having a dark greyish body with horizontal rows of yellowish dots and long pelvic fins. Also has yellow spot just below the eye.

Can be maintained in a reef or fish-only aquarium having rocky hiding places/crevices as this species will select a protective area and guard it against all comers, large or small. Will remain somewhat secretive and is a threat to smaller fishes and may also eat ornamental shrimps. Yet long-term, will get along with larger peaceful and/or slightly aggressive tankmates unless they try to enter its home space.

As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Therefore a meaty diet such as enriched chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed once daily.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Pseudochromidae

Subfamily: Pseudochrominae

Genus: Manonichthys

FYI: Since they are extremely fast moving and secretive, if having to remove it from a reef aquarium with many hiding areas, it would be a major task!

Experience Level: Intermediate

Temperament: Aggressive

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: With much caution

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Moderately aggressive/aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 30+ gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5