Sunrise Dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) Care Guide
Pseudochromis flavivertex is a Red Sea dottyback with a yellow back grading to a blue belly, living over sandy bottoms near rocks and coral.
Overview
Pseudochromis flavivertex is a small marine dottyback described by Rüppell in 1835. It is endemic to the Western Indian Ocean and is commonly known as the sunrise dottyback.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pseudochromidae
- Genus: Pseudochromis
- Scientific name: Pseudochromis flavivertex Rüppell, 1835
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Indian Ocean, in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. FishBase records it as reef-associated at depths of 2 to 30 m in tropical water of 24-28 °C. It is usually found around the bases of small rocks or coral heads on sandy bottoms.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness equivalent: 8-12 °dH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
It is a carnivore that eats various benthic worms and crustaceans. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
The sunrise dottyback is semi-aggressive and occupies the middle level near rockwork. Reported suitable tankmates include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses. Avoid keeping it with other small dottybacks in confined tanks and with predators such as lionfish.
Breeding
It is an egg-layer. According to FishBase, bi-directional sex change has been confirmed for this species, and it has been successfully reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 13 August 2019.