Page 276 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

274 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

Pseudochromis dutoiti Pictichromis paccagnellae Pseudochromis fuscus
Dutoiti Dottyback Royal Dottyback Golden Dottyback

ORIGINS Found off the east coast of Africa, in northern ORIGINS Pacific region, occurring from Indonesia ORIGINS From Australia’s Great Barrier Reef northward
and western parts of the Indian Ocean. southward to Australia, and to Vanuatu in the east. through Indonesia and the Philippines.
SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). SIZE 2 ⁄4 in (7 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
1
3
DIET Prepared live foods of suitable size. DIET Fresh and thawed animal foods. DIET Fresh and thawed animal foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT May quarrel with related fish. TEMPERAMENT Highly territorial. TEMPERAMENT Shy but highly territorial.
Dutoiti Dottybacks can be bred in the home Rich canary-yellow coloration over the entire
aquarium. To maximize breeding success, three body characterizes the Golden Dottyback. Being
individuals should be introduced into a large reef shy, it lives close to the floor of the aquarium,
aquarium that has plenty of well-spaced retreats. where it seeks out retreats. Despite spending
After mating occurs, the spawn is guarded by the much of its time near the substrate, this gramma
male in a safe locality, such as a hole in a rock. The will not seek its food there, instinctively feeding
eggs hatch approximately six days after spawning. instead on items in suspension. It will, however,
Rotifers are a suitable food for feeding the fry. An prey on small worms or tiny crustaceans lurking
adult pair of Dutoiti Dottybacks may spawn over in the vicinity of the rockwork.
20 times during the course of a year.
The Royal Dottyback has coloration similar to the
Neon-blue streaks
along back and Royal Gramma (see below), a Caribbean rather than
on face a Pacific species. It can be distinguished by the
more distinct boundary between the purple and
yellowish areas of the body. When buying these
fish, select individuals with a strong coloration,
since these are most likely to be in good health.
Subsequent loss of color may be a sign of poor
water quality or territorial conflict.

Gramma loreto Gramma melacara
STAYING ALIVE
Royal Gramma Blackcap Basslet
The members of this group are typically small
in size, making them vulnerable to a wide ORIGINS The Caribbean region, from Florida to the ORIGINS The Caribbean region, occurring in the area
range of predators. The danger is compounded northern coast of South America. between Florida and northern South America.
because they are not able to swim strongly SIZE 3 in (7.5 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
to escape danger. To protect themselves, DIET Fresh and thawed animal foods. DIET Fresh and thawed animal foods.
these fish use their small size to retreat into WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
crevices in the reef and tend not to venture (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
far from these relatively safe havens. Each TEMPERAMENT Highly territorial. TEMPERAMENT Highly territorial.
individual learns to recognize its own
territory and uses interconnecting holes in Black spot most evident Stunning shades of mauve and purple extending
when dorsal fin raised
its reef domain like escape tunnels, darting to the fins, and a dark area on the head, are the
through them in order to avoid any key features of this basslet, which is among
attempted pursuit or ambush. the more territorial members of the group. If
you intend to keep more than one Blackcap
Basslet, ensure that the base of the tank is divided
by the decor into different areas where the fish can
establish themselves. They are less likely to quarrel
if kept in groups of three, rather than pairs.
Spots where colors meet
One of the most beautiful members of a Long dorsal fin
colorful group, the Royal Gramma has a purplish
front half to its body, with the rear part varying
from yellow to orange. A black stripe runs
through the eye, and the dorsal fin has a black
spot. There is a good chance of successful
spawning, but for breeding purposes it is vital
to introduce the fish to the tank at the same time,
since a newcomer is likely to be persecuted.

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