All fish / Pseudochromidae

Dilectis Dottyback

Pseudochromis dilectus

Also known as dilectis dottyback, dilectus dottyback, sri lanka dottyback, dilectis pseudochromis, yellow-eyed dottyback, ディレクタス・ドティーバック, 斯里兰卡准雀鲷

A small, slender dottyback with an olive to brownish body, a yellowish head and tail, and fine blue markings around the eye and fins. It is hardy, colourful and reef safe with corals, so it is a popular choice for reef aquariums with plenty of rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 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 in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Northern Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka, Maldives and southern India

Breeding

Pairs spawn in caves, and the male guards a ball of eggs until they hatch after a few days. It has been bred in captivity, but raising the tiny larvae needs rotifers and careful rearing, so it is moderately difficult.

Good to know

Territorial towards other dottybacks and small, similar-shaped fish, and may eat very small shrimps. Add it last to a community and give it caves to claim.