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Plain dottyback (Pseudochromis litus) — Pseudochromidae

Plain dottyback

Pseudochromis litus

The Plain dottyback (Pseudochromis litus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6.3 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
15.0–50.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Plain dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from the western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Oman. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, yellow body. The body is fairly plain yellow-brown. As a cryptic reef-dweller it shelters in crevices and under overhanging coral and snaps at small crustaceans and zooplankton. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Plain dottyback?

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

Where does the Plain dottyback live?

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

How big does the Plain dottyback get?

The Plain dottyback grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Plain dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Plain 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.

More photos

Plain dottyback (Pseudochromis litus) — Pseudochromidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ivan Samra, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Plain dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pseudochromis litus
Family
Pseudochromidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.3 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)
15.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 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

Fin

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