Andaman Dottyback
Pseudochromis andamanensis
Distinguished by its vivid orange and blue coloration, this small yet fiercely territorial dottyback acts as an exceptional hunter of micro-pests in reef aquariums.
Wassertemperatur
22 - 26 °C
pH-Wert
8.1 - 8.4
Wassertyp
Meerwasser
Tankfüllstand
Unten und in der Mitte
Erwachsenengröße
6 cm
Mindesttankvolumen
>= 80 L
Mindestgruppe
>= 1
Artbeschreibung
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is native to the warm coral reefs of the Andaman Sea, continuously darting between rock crevices and small caves in shallow waters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Pseudochromidae, genus Pseudochromis. Features a slender, flexible body, large eyes, and a mouth with small sharp teeth. Grows to 6.0 cm. Features an elongated, hydrodynamic body with soft-rayed fins. The head is marked by large, expressive eyes rimmed with vibrant blue highlights.
Social Behavior: Territorial and bold, highly defensive of its chosen cave. Can be aggressive toward fish of similar shape or size. Highly territorial, actively defending its home range against any intruders. Keeping only one specimen per tank is recommended to prevent fighting.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Named after its native type locality, the Andaman Islands archipelago. Males are typically larger and may exhibit more intense coloration, particularly when breeding. The primary body coloration is a vivid yellow-orange, with a distinctive blue line outlining the upper edge of the eye. Dimorphism is minimal.
Pflege, Zucht und Mitbewohner
Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 80.0 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create numerous caves and dark tunnels. A tight-fitting lid is recommended. Requires a tank of at least 100 liters (26 gallons) with plenty of live rock arranged to create numerous tunnels, arches, and caves for cover.
Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans and worms. Provide a variety of frozen foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality protein pellets. Carnivorous diet. Readily accepts frozen foods like artemia, mysis shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and high-quality commercial pellets.
Water Quality: Maintain stable marine conditions: temperature 22.0-26.0 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Standard marine water values are needed: temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, along with reliable biological filtration.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans and worms. Provide a variety of frozen foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality protein pellets. Suitable with larger, active fish. Do not house with peaceful, shy species or similar dottybacks as they will likely face relentless aggression.
Aquarium Breeding: May behave aggressively toward small ornamental shrimps, tubeworms, and passive fish. Best kept singly without other dottybacks. Captive breeding is difficult in standard aquariums. Mated pairs spawn in caves, where the male actively guards the egg mass until hatching.
Risks and Diseases: Very hardy and disease-resistant. However, severe territorial fights can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Very hardy and resilient to common diseases. The main risks are injuries resulting from territorial fights, which can lead to secondary infections.
Geografische Herkunft und Verbreitung
This species is native to the warm coral reefs of the Andaman Sea, continuously darting between rock crevices and small caves in shallow waters.
Ursprung
Tropische Ozeane und RiffeSüd- und Südostasien
Fischprofil
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Known for their bold, feisty, and often pugnacious personalities, they are not easily intimidated despite their small size. They will aggressively defend their chosen cave from intruders of almost any size. Because of their territorial nature, it is highly recommended to add them as one of the last fish in a community setup. Once established, they are very active and visible, providing dynamic movement.
- Diät
- Carnivore
- These fish are obligate carnivores that require a diet rich in meaty marine foods to thrive. They should be offered a varied menu including finely chopped seafood, mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and high-quality carnivore pellets. Providing a diverse diet is crucial for maintaining their vibrant coloration and overall health. They will also scavenge for small benthic copepods and amphipods within the live rock.
- Lebenserwartung
- 5-7 years
- Erwachsenengröße
- 6 cm
- Geschlechterverhältnis
- Solitary
- Dottybacks are typically protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning females can transition into males if needed. Because of their severe intra-species aggression, it is strongly recommended to keep only one individual per tank unless a bonded pair is acquired. Introducing two unsexed individuals often results in relentless fighting until only one survives. In very large systems with intricate rockwork, a male and female pair might coexist.
- Fütterungsfrequenz
- Twice daily
- To keep their metabolism healthy and mitigate potential aggression, they should be fed small portions one to two times per day. Overfeeding should be avoided to prevent excess waste accumulation in the tank. A well-fed dottyback is generally less prone to harassing its tank mates out of hunger. Target feeding can be utilized if they are reluctant to come out during the initial acclimation period.
- Bioload
- Low
- Dottybacks have a low to moderate bioload depending on their adult size and their heavily carnivorous diet. Their meaty food intake produces slightly more nitrogenous waste compared to similar-sized herbivores. Standard protein skimming and regular water changes will easily accommodate them. They are generally robust and add minimal strain to an established aquarium's filtration system.
- Fluss
- Moderate
- They prefer a moderate water flow that provides gentle circulation without overwhelming their swimming capabilities. Adequate flow helps transport food particles through the water column, stimulating their natural feeding responses. They appreciate areas of calmer water behind rock structures where they can rest out of the main current. Wavemakers simulating natural reef surges can provide an engaging environment.
- Sprungrisiko
- Yes
- Dottybacks have a very high propensity for jumping when startled, threatened, or chasing prey near the surface. A tight-fitting aquarium lid or a sturdy mesh screen is absolutely mandatory to prevent tragic losses. Even a slight gap near the filtration returns or overflow box can be enough for them to leap through. Extra care must be taken during tank maintenance or when the lights suddenly turn off.
- Reproduktion
- Oviparous
- They are demersal spawners and have been known to breed in captivity under optimal conditions. The male will entice a female into a secluded cave where she lays a spherical egg mass, which the male then fertilizes and diligently guards. The eggs typically hatch in a few days, releasing pelagic larvae. Rearing the larvae requires specialized setups with rotifers and newly hatched artemia nauplii.
- Kompatibilität & Tankkameraden
- Aggressive
- Pseudochromis andamanensis can be fiercely territorial and highly aggressive toward small, docile fish, as well as species with similar body shapes like grammas and other dottybacks. They pose a significant threat to small ornamental shrimp, which they will actively hunt and consume. It is best to house them with larger, more robust tank mates that can hold their own. They are considered safe for corals and sessile invertebrates.
- Tankfüllstand
- Middle/Bottom
- They predominantly inhabit the middle to lower regions of the aquarium, closely associating themselves with the rockwork. They rely heavily on caves, crevices, and overhangs for security and will rarely venture far from these hiding spots. They are adept at darting quickly between rocks to patrol their territory. You will often see them poking their heads out of holes to monitor the tank's activity.
Wissenschaftliche Modelle & Parameter
FishBase
Zugang zu den offiziellen wissenschaftlichen Daten der Art
FishBase v25.04Daten synchronisiert am: 15.06.2026
- Trophäenniveau
- 3,4 ± 0,5 se
- Phylogenetische Einzigartigkeit (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayessche Längen-Gewichts-Beziehung
- a = 0.00501, b = 3.1
- AnfälligkeitGeringe Anfälligkeit (10 / 100)
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