Common name: Spot-tailed dottyback
General information
The Yellowtail Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudochromis jamesi, is a vibrant and captivating species popular among reef aquarium enthusiasts. This species is part of the Pseudochromidae family, known for their bold personalities and striking colors. The Yellowtail Dottyback has a deep purple to blue body contrasted with a bright yellow tail, making it a standout addition to any marine aquarium.
Native to the Red Sea, these fish are relatively small, reaching up to 3 inches in length, and are known for their territorial nature. Despite their size, they can be quite assertive, especially towards other similarly sized fish or those with similar coloration.
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
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Prefers caves and overhangs.
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp.
- Social
- Pair Pairs are territorial.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May nip at small fish.
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in home aquariums.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDottybacksPseudochromidae
- GenusDottybacksPseudochromis
- SpeciesSpot-tailed dottybackPseudochromis jamesi Schultz, 1943
Care
Yellowtail Dottybacks are hardy and adaptable, making them suitable for both novice and experienced aquarists. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to establish territories. While they are generally peaceful, their territorial instincts should be considered when adding them to a community tank.
A varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health. They are also known to accept high-quality pellet and flake foods.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, Yellowtail 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 location within the rockwork, and the male will guard and tend to the eggs until they hatch.
Habitat
Pseudochromis jamesi is found in the Red Sea, where it inhabits coral-rich areas and reef slopes. They prefer environments with ample hiding places among the live rock where they can dart in and out, displaying their vivid colors against the reef backdrop.
Their natural depth range is from shallow waters to depths where light still penetrates enough to support coral growth, providing them with the complex habitats they need for feeding and breeding.