All fish / Pseudochromidae

Persian Dottyback

Pseudochromis persicus

Also known as persian dottyback, blue-spotted dottyback, bluespotted dottyback, persicus dottyback, pseudochromis persicus, ペルシャンドティーバック, 波斯拟雀鲷

This is a fairly large dottyback with a dark brownish body covered in small electric blue spots, often with a yellowish tail. It is hardy, colourful and full of character, which suits keepers of robust reef or fish-only systems.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Keep singly

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

Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea coasts

Breeding

Males guard a ball of eggs laid in a cave or crevice until they hatch after a few days. Pairing is risky because of aggression, and it is rarely bred in home aquariums.

Good to know

One of the more aggressive dottybacks and will bully small or similarly shaped fish and may eat small shrimps. Provide plenty of rockwork and add it last to a community.