Class: Actinopterygii (Greek aktis = ray, thunderbolt, beam + Greek pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin.)
Order: Perciformes (Greek, perke = perch + Latin, forma = shape)
Family:Pseudochromidae (Greek, pseudes = false + Greek, chromis = a fish without identificaction, perhaps a fish similar to perch)
Subfamily:Anisochrominae
Genera: Anisochromis
Subfamily:Congrogadinae
Genera: Blennodesmus, Congrogadus, Halidesmus, Halimuraena, Halimuraenoides, Haliophis, Natalichthys, Rusichthys)
Subfamily:Pseudochrominae
Genera: Assiculoides, Assiculus, Cypho, Labracinus, Ogilbyina, Pseudochromis
Subfamily:Pseudoplesiopinae
Genera: Amsichthys, Chlidichthys, Lubbockichthys, Pectinochromis, Pseudoplesiops
What this generally small fish may lack in size, they more than make-up for in gumption, and they can indeed be little terrors. Absolutely striking in their coloration, dottybacks are notoriously aggressive, but few hobbyists can resist their allure for long. With proper research, environmental conditions and close observation, dottybacks will bring a tank to life. Most commonly available dottybacks are from the subfamily Pseudochrominae, which includes the most popular genera Cypho, Labracinus, Ogilbyina, and Pseudochromis. A few species are offered from the subfamily Congrogadinae, although they are often sold as either eels or blennies.
Strawberry Dottyback, Purple Pseudochromis, Magenta Dottyback, Purple Dottyback, Pictichromis porphyrea
Reef Compatible
Yes
Care Level
Beginner
Disposition
Semi-Aggressive
Min. Tank Size
24 gallons
Mature Size
2.5 inches
Diet
Carnivore
Range
Indo-Pacific