Common name: Blackstripe dottyback

General information

The Spectacled Dottyback, Pseudochromis perspicillatus, is a small and colorful marine fish known for its vibrant hues and distinctive 'spectacled' appearance, which comes from the two dark spots around its eyes. This species is part of the Pseudochromidae family and is appreciated by aquarists for its hardiness and the lively personality it brings to the aquarium.

Care

Spectacled Dottybacks are relatively easy to care for but can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of rockwork and hiding spaces. These fish are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Spectacled Dottybacks can be bred with careful attention to their environment. They are hermaphroditic, with the ability to change sex, typically from female to male. Breeding pairs will lay eggs in a secure cave or crevice, and the male will guard and tend to the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Naturally found in the Western Pacific, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Solomon Islands, Spectacled Dottybacks inhabit coral-rich areas and reef slopes. They are often seen darting among the corals and rocks, seeking shelter and hunting for small invertebrates.