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FishbeginnerSaltwater

Springeri Dottyback

Pseudochromis springeri

AnimaliaChordataActinopterygiiPerciformesPseudochromidae

📍 Red Sea (endemic)

Ask Finn

Captive-bred Red Sea dottyback with a striking blue-black body with vivid blue iridescence. One of the few peaceful dottybacks — tank-raised specimens are much less aggressive than wild-caught. Reef-safe and hardy.

Size2.5"
Min Tank30g
semi-aggressive
Zonemid

Care Guide

Diet

Springeri Dottybacks are carnivorous and require a varied diet of high-quality meaty foods. Feed small frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seafood once daily. They will also accept small pellets designed for carnivorous fish, but live or frozen foods should comprise the majority of their diet.

Behavior

This species is notably peaceful for a dottyback, especially when tank-raised, making it one of the least aggressive members of its family. They are active mid-water swimmers that spend time darting between rockwork and open areas, displaying their striking blue-black coloration. They may show territorial behavior toward other dottybacks but are generally compatible with non-aggressive tank mates of similar or larger size.

Breeding

Breeding Springeri Dottybacks in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They are broadcast spawners that require very specific conditions including stable water parameters, appropriate tank size, and compatible pairs. Success is uncommon outside of professional breeding facilities.

Common Diseases

Ich (Marine Ich)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks

Treatment

Quarantine affected fish; raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C; use copper-based treatments or UV sterilization in display tank

Bacterial Infection

Symptoms

Torn fins, lesions on body, lethargy, loss of appetite

Treatment

Maintain excellent water quality; perform regular water changes; use antibiotic treatments if severe; quarantine if contagious

Velvet Disease

Symptoms

Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior

Treatment

Quarantine immediately; raise temperature to 28-29°C; use copper treatments or formalin; ensure good aeration

Parasitic Infection

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites, clamped fins, reduced feeding

Treatment

Quarantine fish; treat with appropriate antiparasitic medication; maintain pristine water conditions

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Quick Facts

pH
8.1–8.4
diet
carnivore/small invertebrates
maxSize
2.5 inches
salinity
SG 1.020–1.025
minTankSize
30 gallons
temperature
75–82°F (24–28°C)

Temperature

75–82°F

24–28°C

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists