Dottyback

Dottybacks is the common name given to the fish that comprise the family Pseudochromidae. It is a small, vibrant saltwater fish, that is easily recognized by the distinctive dorsal fins and unique lateral line organs. Their dorsal fins, unlike those of many fish, possess a maximum of three spines, contributing to their characteristic appearance.

Additionally, dottybacks exhibit an incomplete lateral line, a sensory organ that runs along their bodies. This organ plays a vital role in their survival, enabling them to detect movement, vibrations, and pressure changes in their aquatic environment. Dottybacks are also known for their shy and cautious nature, often seeking refuge in crevices and small spaces on the seafloor.

Appearance

Dottybacks are a common aquatic species known for their stunning and eye-catching appearance. Their bodies are elongated, and they have vibrant scales that come in a diverse range of bright colors, including various blends of purple, red, and yellow, as well as hues of blue, black, and brown.

The Bicoloured Dottyback features a striking color combination of purple on its front half and yellow on its back half. Another species may be entirely blue except for a prominent yellow pattern.

 Their mouths are small and terminal (located at the front of the head), often with slightly protruding lips. Adult size varies from 2 cm (0.8 in) to 13 cm (5 in).

Habitat

Dottybacks live in the tropical waters of Australia and New Zealand. Most of them live in coral reefs thanks to abundant hiding places and prey to feed upon.

There are many species of Dottyback fishes native to Indo-Pacific coral reefs.

They prefer the safety of deep water, where natural darkness helps them evade predators’ detection. The water temperature they prefer is around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). They prefer alkaline water with a pH of 8.4, with a salinity of 1.023.

Diet 

Dottybacks are meat lovers and opportunistic eaters. They prefer to dine on benthic invertebrates like worms, small crustaceans and shrimp on the seafloor. They also enjoy frozen plankton and krill.

Store-bought pellets or flakes make a suitable alternative in captivity. Captive animals should be fed once or twice daily, while wild ones can dine up to five to six times daily. They are adaptable and can comfortably adjust to significant dietary changes.

Reproduction

Most of them hermaphrodites. During mating season, male dottybacks will establish a territory and display vibrant colors to attract a mate. When a female is ready to lay eggs, she will deposit them in a safe and secure location, often on a flat surface like the walls of a sea cave. Some eggs can fall to the seafloor and still safely hatch. The female can lay over 1000 eggs, the male will then fertilize the eggs and protect them until they hatch.

The egg sac is then carefully laid in the morning. It will hatch after 4 days, usually very soon after sunset. The fry will then emerge as fully formed miniature versions of their parents. However, they will lack the vivid coloration that adults are known for.

It takes around a month for the larvae to enter metamorphosis to develop their signature colors.

In a captive environment, reproduction depends on providing a suitable spawning surface, proper water chemistry, and appropriate temperature levels.

Threats 

Dottybacks are not facing extinction. The loss of their preferred coral reef habitats makes foraging and survival slightly tougher than it was previously. Despite their cute appearance, they are feisty and fiercely defend their territory against competing dottybacks and territorial species like surgeonfish. Fortunately, humans pose little threat to them as they are not commonly hunted for food. Crabs and lobsters, however, are happy to chase them.

6 More Facts About Dottybacks

1. These graceless fish are known to jump right out of their enclosures.
2. Dottybacks often disguise themselves as Angelfish and similar fish to avoid attracting predators. For example, some Dottybacks disguise themselves as adult damselfish to hunt baby Damselfish more easily. This behavior has earned Dottybacks the nickname “deceivers of the deep.”
3. They are masters of disguise, with colors and patterns that blend seamlessly into their coral reef homes.
4. Their incomplete lateral line makes them incredibly sensitive to vibrations, helping them detect predators and prey.
5. Some species engage in mimicry, imitating the appearance of other fish to avoid predation.
6. Most of them live in corals.

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