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Painted dottyback (Pseudochromis pictus) — Pseudochromidae

Painted dottyback

Pseudochromis pictus

The Painted dottyback (Pseudochromis pictus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
28.0–36.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Painted dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from reef water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 7 cm and has a slender, yellow-brown with fine pale spots body with a long, continuous dorsal fin. As a fiercely territorial, secretive fish it darts from crevice to crevice along coral and rock and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. Many dottybacks can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Painted dottyback?

The Painted dottyback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly yellow-gold.

Where does the Painted dottyback live?

The Painted dottyback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia

How big does the Painted dottyback get?

The Painted dottyback grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Painted dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Painted dottyback is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Painted dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pseudochromis pictus
Family
Pseudochromidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.3 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
28.0 verified
Max depth (m)
36.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Pseudochromis

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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