Description
Yellow Assessors are not a member of the Dottyback family, but are similar to them in many ways. The Yellow Assessor is native to Australia and is a member of the Plesiopidae (Longfins) family that includes the Marine Betta (Comet). They are not nearly as aggressive or territorial as the Dottybacks, and feed on small zooplanktonic crustaceans.
They are fascinating fish that exhibit unusual behavior. In nature, as well as in the reef tank, they can often be found swimming upside down. This is an adaptation used in their habitat where they’re usually found in caves or under ledges. Creating a similar habitat in the aquarium will allow them to exhibit this unique swimming behavior.
The Yellow Assessor will not bother invertebrates in the reef aquarium and will accept most frozen and dry prepared foods.
Care Requirements
Purchase Size: 1.25″
Purchase Size: 1.25 – 1.5″
Feeding: Will accept most frozen and dry prepared foods. Feed once per day.
Water Parameters: ~78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef safe: Yes
Color: Yellow body throughout with blue markings around eye
More Information
The Yellow Assessor is already a fantastic fish, but what makes the specimens sold here even better is that they are captive-bred by ORA. Captive-bred fish are hardier, more disease resilient, better able to handle the stress of shipping, and better adapted to aquarium life than their wild-caught counterparts. By purchasing captive-bred fish such as this one, you are discouraging the harmful wild-caught trade while supporting the captive-bred industry, making our wonderful hobby more sustainable.