Spot-breast Dottyback
Pseudochromis alticaudex
This vibrant Pseudochromis species is valued by reef aquarists for its interesting hunting behavior and stunning coloration, perfect for well-structured marine setups.
Température de l’eau
23 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond
Taille adulte
5,5 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 80 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is distributed across the coral reefs of the Western Pacific, where it prefers to dwell among branching corals and small rocky crevices in shallow, sunlit waters.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Pseudochromidae. Characterized by a body structure adapted to its active lifestyle, showing bright coloration. Size up to 5.5 cm. It has an elongated, slender body with long dorsal and anal fins. The mouth is equipped with small, sharp teeth suitable for capturing small benthic invertebrates and zooplankton.
Social Behavior: Active species with a aggressive temperament. Shows moderate to high territorial habits depending on sex and population density. It is a highly territorial and aggressive fish toward conspecifics and other species of similar size or coloration. It will fiercely defend its chosen cave or crevice from all intruders.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females display visible differences in color pattern and vibrancy, especially during the courtship phase. The coloration ranges from grayish-brown to reddish with a distinctive dark spot or pattern on the breast area. The fins may display iridescent edges. Sexual dimorphism is minimal.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Requires a marine tank of at least 21 gallons (approx. 80.0 liters), decorated with live rocks to provide natural shelter. For sand-dwelling wrasses, a fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) is essential. An aquarium of at least 100 liters (26 gallons) with plenty of live rock is required. Create numerous pathways, caves, and crevices so the fish can establish a secure territory.
Diet and Feeding: Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and frozen foods. It is recommended to feed the fish two or three times daily in small portions. Carnivorous. Easily accepts a wide variety of aquarium foods, including frozen artemia, mysis shrimp, chopped krill, as well as high-quality dry pellets and flakes.
Water Quality: Stable parameters: temperature 23.0-28.0°C, pH 8.1-8.4, SG stable between 1.020 and 1.025. Monitored nitrates and phosphates. Standard marine water conditions must be maintained: temperature 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, along with regular water changes to keep nitrates low.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans, zooplankton, and frozen foods. It is recommended to feed the fish two or three times daily in small portions. Avoid keeping with passive, timid species or similarly shaped dottybacks. It is best to introduce this fish last to the aquarium to prevent severe territorial aggression toward newcomers.
Aquarium Breeding: Compatible with reef fish. Avoid housing with larger predators or highly aggressive tankmates. Captive breeding is possible but challenging. The male coaxes the female into his cave to spawn, after which he guards and aerates the egg mass until the larvae hatch.
Risks and Diseases: Sensitive to transport stress and high jump risk; requires a tightly fitted aquarium lid. Exceptionally hardy and rarely contracts diseases under proper care. While resilient to minor parameter fluctuations, it remains sensitive to copper-based medications.
Origine et répartition géographiques
This species is distributed across the coral reefs of the Western Pacific, where it prefers to dwell among branching corals and small rocky crevices in shallow, sunlit waters.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAmérique du NordAfrique et MadagascarAsie du Sud et du Sud-EstAustralie, Nouvelle-Guinée et Océanie
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Territorial
- 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.
- Régime alimentaire
- 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.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-7 years
- Taille adulte
- 5.5 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- 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.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- 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.
- Charge biologique
- 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.
- Courant
- 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.
- Risque de saut
- 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.
- Reproduction
- Mouthbrooder
- 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.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Peaceful
- Pseudochromis alticaudex 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.
- Niveau dans le bac
- 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.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 3,3 ± 0,5 se
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.00501, b = 3.1
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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