Yellow-Breasted Dottyback
Pseudochromis coccinicauda
| Stock | Variations | Price | Quantity |
|---|
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Monday – Friday 8 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 12 PM – 4 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 9 PM
Healthy, stable animals from vetted suppliers — inspected before packing, shipped overnight. Decades of experience built this model so we can deliver premium livestock at 30%+ less than you'd pay elsewhere.
| Care Level | Easy |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Semi-Aggressive |
| Reef Safe | Yes |
| Functional Benefit | Ornamental Only |
| Diet Type | Carnivore |
| Mininum Tank Size | 30 gallons |
| Max Size | 2 inches |
| Temperature | 72–78°F |
| pH Range | 8.1–8.4 |
| Specific Gravity | 1.022–1.025 |
The Yellow-Breasted Dottyback (Pseudochromis coccinicauda) is a compact reef fish with a bright yellow breast area and a contrasting rear section that stands out in rockwork. It’s a Western Indian Ocean dottyback that stays close to structure and uses caves and ledges as home base.
What You’ll Observe:
- Short, quick dashes between holes in the live rock, then hovering just outside its favorite cave
- Regular “patrol” loops around a small section of rockwork, especially near its shelter
- Strong interest in feeding time, coming out fast for small meaty foods
- In the first day or two, it often keeps tighter to cover, then becomes more visible on a routine
Provide a reef with stable rockwork and multiple hiding spots so it can settle into one area and cruise out confidently. Offer small meaty foods (like mysis and finely chopped seafood) in consistent portions, and keep tankmate introductions spaced out so everyone establishes a clear routine.
Is it normal for a dottyback to “blow” sand or water at corals or new frags?
Some keepers report the fish repeatedly puffing or fanning near new items, especially close to its cave, and it often decreases once the tank feels “normal” again.
Will it redecorate by digging under rocks?
Dottybacks may move sand while refining a cave entrance, so many hobbyists simply plan rock support on the bottom glass or on stable bases.
How do I stop it from claiming the whole tank as its cave?
Many aquarists get the best day-to-day balance by giving several cave options and keeping food delivery consistent in a few spots instead of only near its preferred hole.
Can it live with ornamental shrimp long-term?
Experiences vary most with very small shrimp, and keepers often judge outcomes by how bold the shrimp is, how the rockwork breaks line-of-sight, and how reliably the fish is fed.
What’s the easiest way to get it onto frozen/prepared foods?
Most hobbyists succeed by starting with small, meaty frozen items (like mysis) and keeping portions small so food stays suspended and easy to grab.
Each fish is checked for strong appetite and activity before we approve it for your tank.
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