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).

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).

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 22 - 23; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 12 - 13

Maximum size: 60 mm NG

6.0 cm TL (male/unsexed; (Ref. 9710))

Females sexually dichromatic dottyback are uniformly grey, sometimes becoming yellowish or reddish on the tail (Ref. 37816).

Depth range based on 61 specimens in 1 taxon.
Water temperature and chemistry ranges based on 43 samples.

Environmental ranges
  Depth range (m): 0.15 - 35
  Temperature range (°C): 25.778 - 29.336
  Nitrate (umol/L): 0.016 - 0.617
  Salinity (PPS): 33.821 - 35.264
  Oxygen (ml/l): 4.444 - 4.806
  Phosphate (umol/l): 0.094 - 0.270
  Silicate (umol/l): 0.897 - 4.612

Graphical representation

Depth range (m): 0.15 - 35

Temperature range (°C): 25.778 - 29.336

Nitrate (umol/L): 0.016 - 0.617

Salinity (PPS): 33.821 - 35.264

Oxygen (ml/l): 4.444 - 4.806

Phosphate (umol/l): 0.094 - 0.270

Silicate (umol/l): 0.897 - 4.612
 
Note: this information has not been validated. Check this *note*. Your feedback is most welcome.

reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m (Ref. 37816), usually 0 - 20 m (Ref. 27115)

Found inshore (Ref. 75154).

Not Evaluated

aquarium: commercial