Common name: Bearded dottyback

Scientific name: Pseudoplesiops revellei Schultz, 1953

General information

Revelle's Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudoplesiops revellei, is a small and colorful fish that is a member of the family Pseudochromidae. This species is appreciated for its vibrant hues and relatively peaceful demeanor, making it a suitable addition to many saltwater aquariums. They are not as aggressive as some other dottyback species, but care should still be taken when introducing them into a community tank.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
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 Prefers caves and overhangs
Diet
Carnivore Enjoys mysis and brine shrimp
Social
Solo Can be territorial with conspecifics
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Peaceful
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Dottybacks
    Pseudochromidae
  6. Genus
    Dottybacks
    Pseudoplesiops
  7. Species
    Bearded dottyback
    Pseudoplesiops revellei Schultz, 1953
  8. Synonyms
    Pseudochromis revellei (Schultz, 1953)

Care

Revelle's Dottyback requires an aquarium with plenty of rockwork and hiding places to feel secure. They are hardy fish that can adapt to a variety of aquarium conditions, but stable water quality is essential for their well-being. They are carnivorous and should be fed a diet of meaty foods such as frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood.

Reproduction

In the aquarium, Revelle's Dottyback can be bred if provided with the right conditions. They are known to be secretive spawners, often laying their eggs in hidden crevices within the live rock. The male typically guards the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat

Revelle's Dottyback is found in the Western Pacific, particularly around the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. They inhabit reef slopes and lagoons, often taking refuge in crevices and amongst coral rubble.