Dusky dottyback (Pseudochromis fuscus) 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
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
115 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 115-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. Dusky dottybacks come in several colour forms (brown, yellow and others), so the same species may be sold under different names. 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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