All fish / Pseudochromidae

Andaman Dottyback

Pseudochromis andamanensis

Also known as andaman dottyback, andaman sea dottyback, andamanensis dottyback, アンダマンドティーバック, 安达曼拟雀鲷

A small, slender dottyback with a mostly dark grey to black body, a yellowish head and tail area and blue edging around the eye and fins. It is hardy, colourful and suits reef tanks with plenty of rockwork, where it spends its time darting between caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

Keep singly or as a mated pair

Diet

Carnivore: mysis, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, quality pellets and flakes

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Eastern Indian Ocean: Andaman Sea, Thailand, Myanmar, western Indonesia

Breeding

Pairs spawn in caves, where the male guards a ball of eggs until they hatch after a few days. Captive breeding is possible but rearing the tiny larvae on rotifers is demanding.

Good to know

Territorial towards other dottybacks and similar small, cave-dwelling fish, so add it last to a tank of peaceful community species. It may eat very small shrimps.