Dilectus dottyback (Pseudochromis dilectus) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Pseudochromidae (dottybacks)
Origin
Indo-Pacific (dottyback family range; the exact range was not checked for this entry).
Water
saltwater
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
75 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

A small, hardy, colourful fish for a reef or fish-only tank with plenty of rockwork and caves to claim as territory. The 75-litre minimum is our estimate from its adult size and territorial habits. Use a tight lid; dottybacks jump. Water figures given here are general marine aquarium guidance, not species-specific: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and salinity SG 1.023–1.026, with stable, well-oxygenated water. The list gives no maximum size; like most Pseudochromis it is a small fish, but check the seller's information. This entry is written from the list of marine aquarium fish species only; the species' own article was not checked. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A carnivore. Offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, chopped prawn and good-quality marine pellets or flakes, once or twice a day.

Breeding

Dottybacks pair up and the male guards a ball of eggs in a cave until they hatch. Several dottybacks are bred commercially; captive-bred fish are hardier and often less aggressive.

Compatibility and tank mates

Reef safe with caution: it leaves corals alone but may eat small shrimps (the list says "may eat shrimps") and bristle worms. Territorial: keep one per tank unless the tank is large, and avoid other dottybacks and similar-shaped fish such as royal grammas. Best added last, after more peaceful fish have settled.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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