DOTTYBACKS & PSEUDOCHROMIS

About Dottybacks & Pseudochromis

Class: Actinopterygii (Greek aktis = ray, thunderbolt, beam + Greek pterygion, diminutive of pteryx = wing, fin.)

Order: Perciformes (Greek, perke = perch + Latin, forma = shape)

Family:Pseudochromidae (Greek, pseudes = false + Greek, chromis = a fish without identificaction, perhaps a fish similar to perch)
Subfamily:Anisochrominae
Genera: Anisochromis
Subfamily:Congrogadinae
Genera: Blennodesmus, Congrogadus, Halidesmus, Halimuraena, Halimuraenoides, Haliophis, Natalichthys, Rusichthys)
Subfamily:Pseudochrominae
Genera: Assiculoides, Assiculus, Cypho, Labracinus, Ogilbyina, Pseudochromis
Subfamily:Pseudoplesiopinae
Genera: Amsichthys, Chlidichthys, Lubbockichthys, Pectinochromis, Pseudoplesiops

What this generally small fish may lack in size, they more than make-up for in gumption, and they can indeed be little terrors. Absolutely striking in their coloration, dottybacks are notoriously aggressive, but few hobbyists can resist their allure for long. With proper research, environmental conditions and close observation, dottybacks will bring a tank to life. Most commonly available dottybacks are from the subfamily Pseudochrominae, which includes the most popular genera Cypho, Labracinus, Ogilbyina, and Pseudochromis. A few species are offered from the subfamily Congrogadinae, although they are often sold as either eels or blennies.