| Family: |
Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae |
| Max. size: |
6.2 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m |
| Distribution: |
Western Pacific: Peninsular Malaysia to Hong Kong and the Ryukyu Islands, south to Western Australia, and east to Vanuatu and the Gilbert Islands. Replaced by an undescribed species at Fiji and Tonga and Pseudochromis coccinicauda in the Indian Ocean (Ref. 37816). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Females sexually dichromatic dottyback are uniformly grey, sometimes becoming yellowish or reddish on the tail (Ref. 37816).
Description: Characterized by bluish color of male with extensive yellow area from lower head to pectoral fin, yellow stripe along lateral line, several thin, light blue bars on lower side; female bluish grey to reddish brown, base of yellow tail with red patch; anterior lateral line scales 23-31; predorsal scales 11-19; depth of body 24.9-27.3 % of SL (Ref. 90102). |
| Biology: |
A common but secretive species (Ref. 9710, 48635) found in holes and crevices of exposed outer reef flats and reef margins. Occurs in pairs and feeds on small crabs, isopods, and copepods (Ref. 1602). Usually most abundant in high current or surge areas. Frequently enters the aquarium fish trade and has been bred in captivity (Ref. 37748). Sometimes solitary (Ref 90102). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
| Country info: |
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