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About Dusky Dottyback

The Dusky Dottyback is a hardy and characterful Australian marine fish recognised for its dark brown to dusky purple colouration and elongated body. It is a relatively small fish but has the bold personality commonly associated with dottybacks.

Dusky Dottybacks spend much of their time around rockwork, caves and crevices, darting out to investigate their surroundings before quickly retreating to shelter.

They can become territorial and aggressive, particularly towards other dottybacks and similarly shaped fish. Plenty of rockwork with multiple hiding places helps provide suitable territory and reduces conflict.

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

Dusky Dottybacks are generally reef safe with corals, although very small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans may potentially be preyed upon.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pseudochromis fuscus
Common Name: Dusky 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 Dusky Dottybacks reef safe?

Yes. They are generally considered reef safe with corals, although very small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans may be at risk.

Are Dusky Dottybacks aggressive?

They can be territorial, especially towards other dottybacks and similarly shaped fish. Their small size doesn't mean they are completely peaceful.

Can I keep more than one Dusky 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 Dusky Dottybacks eat?

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

Do Dusky Dottybacks need live rock?

Yes. Rockwork, caves and crevices provide shelter and allow the fish to establish a secure 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 secure places to retreat.

Keeping them with tiny shrimp
Small ornamental shrimp and other tiny crustaceans may become prey.

Adding timid fish after the dottyback
An established dottyback may aggressively defend its territory against newly introduced fish.

Underestimating their personality
Dottybacks are small but confident fish and can dominate much larger passive tank mates.