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Yellow-spotted dottyback (Pseudochromis flavopunctatus) — Pseudochromidae

Yellow-spotted dottyback

Pseudochromis flavopunctatus

The Yellow-spotted dottyback (Pseudochromis flavopunctatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.8 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
12.0–65.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Indonesia

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Description

The Yellow-spotted dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 7 cm and has an elongate, brownish body. The body bears fine yellowish spots. 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 Yellow-spotted dottyback?

The Yellow-spotted dottyback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Yellow-spotted dottyback live?

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

How big does the Yellow-spotted dottyback get?

The Yellow-spotted dottyback grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Yellow-spotted dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow-spotted 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

Yellow-spotted dottyback (Pseudochromis flavopunctatus) — Pseudochromidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Mark Rosenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellow-spotted dottyback (Pseudochromis flavopunctatus) — Pseudochromidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Mark Rosenstein, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Yellow-spotted dottyback (Pseudochromis flavopunctatus) — Pseudochromidae — 4
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellow-spotted dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pseudochromis flavopunctatus
Family
Pseudochromidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
12.0 verified
Max depth (m)
65.0 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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