All fish / Pseudochromidae

Elongate Dottyback

Pseudochromis elongatus

Also known as elongated dottyback, elongate dottyback, slender dottyback, 长身拟雀鲷

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A small, slender dottyback that usually shows a dark or brownish body with a paler yellowish or orange tone towards the head, though colour varies by locality. It is kept for its hardiness, bold personality and small size, which suit reef tanks with plenty of rockwork and caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

75 litres

Keep as

Singly, or as a confirmed pair

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Central Pacific: Indonesia (Sulawesi, Flores, Komodo) and the Philippines

Breeding

Like other dottybacks, the female lays a ball of eggs in a cave that the male guards until hatching. Other Pseudochromis are bred routinely in captivity, but this species is rarely bred and rearing the tiny larvae needs rotifers and careful husbandry.

Good to know

It can be territorial towards other dottybacks and small, similar-shaped fish, so add it last and provide caves. It may eat very small shrimp and is uncommon in the trade, so check identification against similar dottybacks.