All fish / Pseudochromidae

Blackmargin Dottyback

Pseudochromis tapeinosoma

Also known as black-margined dottyback, blackmargin dottyback, lavender dottyback, tapeinosoma dottyback, bicolor dottyback, クレナイニセスズメ, 黑缘拟雀鲷

A small, slim dottyback with a dusky grey to purplish body that often turns yellowish towards the tail, with dark edges on the fins and a dark blotch behind the eye. It is hardy, reef safe with corals and adds lively colour to rocky reef tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

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 unless a known pair

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

Western Pacific: Philippines, Indonesia, northern Australia, Melanesia to Japan

Breeding

Pairs spawn in caves, laying a ball of eggs that the male guards until hatching. Captive spawning is achievable, but rearing the tiny larvae on rotifers and copepods is challenging.

Good to know

Territorial towards other dottybacks and small, similarly shaped fish, and may eat small shrimps; provide plenty of rockwork and add it after more peaceful fish.