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About Dilectus Dottyback

The Dilectus Dottyback is a colourful and relatively uncommon marine fish from the Pseudochromidae family. It has the characteristic elongated body and bold personality associated with dottybacks, making it an interesting addition to a marine aquarium.

Like many dottybacks, Pseudochromis dilectus is an active and confident fish that spends much of its time around rockwork, caves and crevices. Providing plenty of hiding places allows it to establish a territory and feel secure.

Although small in size, Dilectus Dottybacks can be territorial and aggressive, particularly towards other dottybacks and similarly shaped fish. They are best housed with appropriately sized tank mates and plenty of rockwork.

They are carnivorous and generally accept a range of prepared and frozen marine foods, including mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and quality marine pellets.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pseudochromis dilectus
Common Name: Dilectus Dottyback
Family: Pseudochromidae
Type: Marine Fish / Dottyback
Adult Size: Approximately 8–10 cm
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Care Level: Easy to Intermediate
Minimum Aquarium: 100 L+
Temperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.0–8.4
Salinity: 1.023–1.026 SG
Diet: Carnivore
Tank Level: Bottom to Midwater / Rockwork
Reef Safe: Yes, with caution around very small invertebrates
Suitable For: Marine aquariums, reef tanks and established marine communities

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dilectus Dottybacks reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe with corals, although their predatory nature means very small ornamental shrimp or other tiny crustaceans may be at risk.

Are Dilectus Dottybacks aggressive?

They can be territorial, particularly towards other dottybacks and similarly shaped fish. Their small size shouldn't be mistaken for a completely peaceful temperament.

Can I keep more than one Dilectus Dottyback?

It is generally safest to keep one per aquarium, unless a confirmed compatible pair is being kept in a suitably large system.

What do Dilectus Dottybacks eat?

They are carnivorous and readily accept mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, chopped marine seafood and quality marine pellets.

Do they need live rock?

Yes. Rockwork, caves and crevices provide important shelter and allow the fish to establish a territory.

Common Mistakes

Keeping multiple dottybacks together
Territorial disputes can become serious, particularly in smaller aquariums.

Not providing enough rockwork
Caves and crevices give the fish places to shelter and establish territory.

Keeping them with very small shrimp
Their predatory behaviour may put small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans at risk.

Adding very timid fish after the dottyback
An established dottyback may be more territorial towards newly introduced tank mates.

Underestimating their personality
Despite their relatively small size, dottybacks are confident and territorial marine fish.