Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis sankeyi) Care Guide
Pseudochromis sankeyi is a Red Sea and Gulf of Aden dottyback with horizontal dark stripes that lives in reef caves and forms colonies.
Overview
Pseudochromis sankeyi is a marine dottyback described by Lubbock in 1975. The species name honours Richard D. Sankey, a British collector and wholesaler who supplied specimens for study. It is commonly called the striped dottyback or Sankey's dottyback.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pseudochromidae
- Genus: Pseudochromis
- Scientific name: Pseudochromis sankeyi Lubbock, 1975
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Indian Ocean: the southern Red Sea, the Golfe de Tadjoura (Djibouti), the Yemeni coast of the northern Gulf of Aden and the Socotra Archipelago. FishBase records it as reef-associated at depths of 2 to 10 m in tropical water of 24-27 °C, inhabiting rock and coralline ledges and caves and occurring in colonies.
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. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
The striped dottyback is semi-aggressive and occupies the middle level near reef structure. Because it naturally occurs in colonies, it is sometimes kept in groups. 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 it has been reared in captivity.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 4 February 2009.