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Saddle dottyback (Pictichromis ephippiata) — Pseudochromidae

Saddle dottyback

Pictichromis ephippiata

The Saddle dottyback (Pictichromis ephippiata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
30.0–50.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

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Description

The saddle dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from shallow coral-reef water of the western Pacific. The species grows to about 6 cm and has an elongate, brightly coloured body with a purple-pink front and a yellow rear, and a long, low dorsal fin. As a territorial bottom-dweller it darts from crevice to crevice in coral and rock and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. It fiercely defends its shelter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Saddle dottyback?

The Saddle dottyback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Saddle dottyback live?

The Saddle dottyback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea

How big does the Saddle dottyback get?

The Saddle dottyback grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Saddle dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Saddle 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
Saddle dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pictichromis ephippiata
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Saddled dottyback sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
30.0 verified
Max depth (m)
50.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea 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 Pictichromis

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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