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Springeri Dottyback
Pseudochromis springeri
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Perciformes›Pseudochromidae
📍 Red Sea (endemic)
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.
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.
Tank Mates
Similar size and reef-safe; both are peaceful and occupy different tank zones
Compatible reef fish with similar care requirements and peaceful temperament
Small, peaceful goby that won't compete for food or space
Beneficial symbiotic relationship; shrimp are generally safe from this dottyback
Reef-safe shrimp that occupies different ecological niche
Common Diseases
Ich (Marine Ich)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against rocks
Quarantine affected fish; raise temperature gradually to 28-29°C; use copper-based treatments or UV sterilization in display tank
Bacterial Infection
Torn fins, lesions on body, lethargy, loss of appetite
Maintain excellent water quality; perform regular water changes; use antibiotic treatments if severe; quarantine if contagious
Velvet Disease
Fine golden or rust-colored dust on body, rapid breathing, scratching behavior
Quarantine immediately; raise temperature to 28-29°C; use copper treatments or formalin; ensure good aeration
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, clamped fins, reduced feeding
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