Common name: Collared dottyback

General information

The Collared Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudoplesiops collare, is a small and colorful marine fish that is a member of the family Pseudochromidae. This species is appreciated for its vibrant coloration and relatively peaceful demeanor, making it a suitable candidate for a community reef aquarium. The body of the Collared Dottyback is elongated with a striking color pattern that typically includes a deep blue to purple body with a distinctive yellow or orange collar behind the head, which gives the species its common name.

Care

Collared Dottybacks are moderately easy to care for, but they do require a stable and well-established aquarium environment. They thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock that provides numerous hiding places and crevices to explore. These fish are carnivorous and should be fed a varied diet consisting of meaty foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. It's important to maintain high water quality and stable parameters to keep these fish healthy.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Collared Dottybacks may exhibit breeding behavior if kept in a pair. They are substrate spawners, laying their eggs in a secure location within the rockwork. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch. Breeding these fish in captivity can be challenging, but it is possible with careful attention to water quality and feeding.

Habitat

Pseudoplesiops collare is found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around coral reefs and rocky outcrops. They are usually observed at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 40 meters. In their natural habitat, they tend to stay close to the reef structure, darting in and out of the rocks for protection and to ambush prey.