Common name: Yellowtail dottyback
General information
Linda's Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudochromis linda, is a vibrant and captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This species is part of the Pseudochromidae family, known for their bright colors and elongated bodies. Linda's Dottyback boasts a striking purple hue with a sleek body shape, making it a standout addition to any reef aquarium.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 75 liter (20 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- Temperature
- 24 to 26 °C (75 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 8 cm (3″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Adaptable, but needs hiding spots
- Diet
- Carnivore Enjoys mysis, brine shrimp
- Social
- Pair Can be kept in pairs
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive May be territorial
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerciformesPerciformes
- FamilyDottybacksPseudochromidae
- GenusDottybacksPseudochromis
- SpeciesYellowtail dottybackPseudochromis linda Randall & Stanaland, 1989
Care
Linda's Dottyback is a hardy species that adapts well to life in captivity. They require an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces to feel secure. A peaceful to moderately aggressive fish, they can become territorial, so it's important to introduce them to the tank last to minimize conflict. They thrive on a varied diet of meaty foods, including frozen mysis shrimp and brine shrimp.
Reproduction
In the home aquarium, Linda's Dottyback 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. Breeding pairs will lay eggs in a secure cave or crevice, and the male will guard the eggs until they hatch.
Habitat
Linda's Dottyback is native to the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. They are typically found in coral-rich areas and rocky outcrops where they can dart in and out of crevices to hunt for food and avoid predators. In the wild, they inhabit depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters deep.