Doublebar dottyback
Pseudochromis bitaeniatus
This small, elongated marine fish is exceptionally hardy and can be easily distinguished by the two prominent dark longitudinal stripes running across its sleek body.
Temperatura da água
22 - 26 °C
Valor de pH
8.1 - 8.4
Tipo de água
Marinho
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior e intermediária
Tamanho adulto
8 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 120 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 1
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat:
Pseudochromis bitaeniatus is native to the Western Indo-Pacific, recorded in Indonesia, the Philippines, and to the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits outer coral reefs between 2 and 25 meters.
Taxonomy and Morphology:
Belongs to the Pseudochromidae family. Features a slender, elongated, and slightly compressed body. Adults reach a maximum length of about 6-7 cm. The mouth has small canine teeth.
Social Behavior:
A solitary, active, and territorial species. It fiercely defends its rocky cave against similar fish or benthic tankmates. It spends the day exploring the substrate.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism:
The body color is golden-beige or yellow-orange. Displays two distinct dark longitudinal stripes: one along the back and one central running through the eye to the tail.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup:
Requires an aquarium of at least 80-100 liters. The setup must include plenty of live rock arranged to form caves, crevices, and arches to establish its territory.
Diet and Feeding:
Carnivorous. Feeds on small crustaceans, worms, and zooplankton. In the aquarium, it accepts mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality dry granules. Helpful for preying on flatworms.
Water Quality:
Maintain stable parameters: temperature 22-28 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. Requires efficient filtration and partial water changes.
Compatibility and Cohabitation:
Reef safe with corals, but can harass peaceful benthic fish like gobies and pipefish. May prey on small ornamental shrimp. Introduce as the last fish to the tank.
Aquarium Breeding:
Breeding is oviparous. The couple deposits a mass of adhesive eggs inside the male's cave, who fertilizes and actively guards them until hatching.
Risks and Diseases:
The major risk is territorial disputes with other benthic fish. Ensure sufficient hiding places and cover the tank to prevent jumping out of the water.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
Pseudochromis bitaeniatus is native to the Western Indo-Pacific, recorded in Indonesia, the Philippines, and to the Great Barrier Reef. It inhabits outer coral reefs between 2 and 25 meters.
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifesSul e Sudeste AsiáticoAustrália, Nova Guiné e Oceania
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- 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.
- Dieta
- 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.
- Expectativa de vida
- 5-7 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 8 cm
- Proporção sexual
- 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.
- Frequência de alimentação
- 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.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- 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.
- Fluxo
- Strong
- 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.
- Risco de salto
- 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.
- Reprodução
- Cave spawner
- 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.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Reef safe
- Pseudochromis bitaeniatus 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.
- Nível do tanque
- 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.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 3,6 ± 0,5 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.00501, b = 3.1
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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