Common name: Sunrise dottyback
General information
The Sunrise Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudochromis flavivertex, is a vibrant and captivating species popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This species is part of the Pseudochromidae family, known for their bright colors and dynamic personalities. The Sunrise Dottyback is particularly noted for its striking yellow to orange head, which gradually blends into a purple or blue body, creating a beautiful sunrise-like gradient effect.
Native to the Red Sea, these fish are relatively small, reaching about 3 inches in length, making them suitable for a variety of tank sizes. They are also known for their territorial nature, especially towards conspecifics or similar-sized fish.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 10 cm (4″)
- Care level
- Easy Adaptable to aquarium life.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp.
- Social
- Pair Pairs are harmonious.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial.
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyDottybacksPseudochromidae
- GenusDottybacksPseudochromis
- SpeciesSunrise dottybackPseudochromis flavivertex Rüppell, 1835
Care
Sunrise Dottybacks are hardy and adaptable, making them a good choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to mimic their natural habitat. These fish are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.
While generally peaceful, they can become aggressive towards other fish of similar size or temperament, so it's important to carefully consider tankmates and introduce the Sunrise Dottyback last to the community.
Reproduction
In the aquarium setting, Sunrise Dottybacks can be bred with careful attention to their environment. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start life as females and can change to males if needed, usually in the absence of other males. Breeding pairs will lay eggs in a secure crevice, and the male will guard and tend to the eggs until they hatch.
Habitat
The natural habitat of the Sunrise Dottyback is the coral-rich environments of the Red Sea. They are often found in and around crevices and overhangs on the reef, where they can dart in and out to hunt for food or evade predators. In the home aquarium, replicating this environment with ample live rock and crevices will help these fish feel secure and display natural behaviors.