Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) > Perciformes
(Perch-likes) > Pseudochromidae
(Dottybacks) > Pseudochrominae
Etymology: Pseudochromis: Greek, pseudes = false + Greek, chromis = a fish, perhaps a perch (Ref. 45335). More on author: Bleeker.
Environment / Climate / Range
Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 30 m (Ref. 37816), usually 0 - 20 m (Ref. 27115). Tropical; 24°C - 26°C (Ref. 27115); 30°N - 24°S
Size / Weight / Age
Maturity: Lm ?  range ? - ? cm
Max length : 6.2 cm TL male/unsexed; (Ref. 90102)
Western Pacific: Peninsular Malaysia to Hong Kong and the Ryukyu Islands, south to Western Australia, and east to Vanuatu and the Gilbert Islands. Replaced by an undescribed species at Fiji and Tonga and Pseudochromis coccinicauda in the Indian Ocean (Ref. 37816).
A common but secretive species (Ref. 9710, 48635) found in holes and crevices of exposed outer reef flats and reef margins. Occurs in pairs and feeds on small crabs, isopods, and copepods (Ref. 1602). Usually most abundant in high current or surge areas. Frequently enters the aquarium fish trade and has been bred in captivity (Ref. 37748). Sometimes solitary (Ref 90102).
Life cycle and mating behavior
Maturity | Reproduction | Spawning | Eggs | Fecundity | Larvae
Bi-directional sex change has been confirmed for this species (Ref. 103751).
Myers, R.F., 1991. Micronesian reef fishes. Second Ed. Coral Graphics, Barrigada, Guam. 298 p. (Ref. 1602)
IUCN Red List Status (Ref. 96402)
CITES (Ref. 94142)
Threat to humans
ReferencesAquacultureAquaculture profileStrainsGeneticsAllele frequenciesHeritabilityDiseasesProcessingMass conversion
Estimates of some properties based on models
Phylogenetic diversity index (Ref. 82805
= 0.5000 [Uniqueness, from 0.5 = low to 2.0 = high].
Bayesian length-weight: a=0.00501 (0.00191 - 0.01317), b=3.11 (2.88 - 3.34), based on LWR estimates for this (Sub)family-body shape (Ref. 93245
Trophic Level (Ref. 69278
): 3.3 ±0.44 se; Based on food items.
Resilience (Ref. 69278
): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months ().
Vulnerability (Ref. 59153
): Low vulnerability (10 of 100) .