All fish / Pseudochromidae

Sailfin Dottyback

Pseudochromis veliferus

Also known as sailfin dottyback, sail fin dottyback, veliferus dottyback, sailfin pseudochromis, blue-spotted sailfin dottyback, セイルフィン・ドティバック, 帆鳍拟雀鲷

A slender dottyback with tall, flowing dorsal and anal fins edged in blue. Body colour varies with locality and mood, often purplish or grey shading to yellow towards the tail. Aquarists keep it for its showy fins and bold character, and it is generally reef safe with corals.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

10 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

150 litres

Keep as

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

Diet

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

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands

Breeding

Males guard a ball of eggs laid in a cave until they hatch after about four to five days. Pairs can spawn in aquaria, but raising the tiny larvae needs rotifers and copepods and takes skill.

Good to know

It is territorial and can bully small, peaceful fish or other dottybacks, so add it last and give it plenty of rockwork. It may eat small ornamental shrimps.