All fish / Pseudochromidae

Lightning Dottyback

Pseudochromis litus

Also known as lightning dottyback, litus dottyback, shore dottyback, 拟雀鲷

A small, slim dottyback from the western Pacific that lives among coastal rubble and reef. It is kept for its colouring and its bold, busy behaviour around rockwork, and it suits reef tanks because it leaves corals alone.

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

110 litres

Keep as

Keep singly, or as a mated pair in a larger tank

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines and Australia

Breeding

Pairs spawn a ball of eggs inside a cave, and the male guards it until the eggs hatch. Captive spawning can happen, but rearing the tiny larvae is difficult and needs live rotifers.

Good to know

Like most dottybacks it can be territorial and may harass small, peaceful fish or similar species, so add it last and give plenty of rock hiding places. Small ornamental shrimps may be eaten.