All fish / Pseudochromidae

Natal Dottyback

Pseudochromis natalensis

Also known as natal dottyback, natal pseudochromis, natalensis dottyback, african dottyback, 纳塔尔拟雀鲷

A small, slender dottyback with a yellow to orange body, bright blue edging on the fins and a blue-trimmed tail. It is hardy, colourful and less aggressive than many relatives, making it a good choice for reef tanks with plenty of rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °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 and quality marine pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Indian Ocean: South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal), Mozambique, Madagascar

Breeding

Pairs spawn in caves, laying a ball of eggs that the male guards until they hatch. Captive breeding is possible but rearing the tiny larvae needs rotifers and is fairly demanding.

Good to know

Territorial towards other dottybacks and similar small, cave-dwelling fish, so add it last to an established tank. It may eat very small shrimps.