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Australian dottyback (Ogilbyina novaehollandiae) — Pseudochromidae

Australian dottyback

Ogilbyina novaehollandiae

The Australian dottyback (Ogilbyina novaehollandiae) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Australian dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from shallow reef and rocky water of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The species grows to about 8 cm and has an elongate, brightly coloured body and a long, low dorsal fin. As a territorial bottom-dweller it darts from crevice to crevice in coral and rock and snaps at small crustaceans and small fish. It fiercely defends its shelter. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Australian dottyback?

The Australian dottyback has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Australian dottyback live?

The Australian dottyback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Australian dottyback get?

The Australian dottyback grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Australian dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Australian dottyback is harmless to humans.

Is the Australian dottyback edible?

Yes, the Australian dottyback is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Australische grondelbaars sourced
English name
Australian dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Ogilbyina novaehollandiae
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Multicolour dottyback; Multicoloured dottyback; Red-and-green dottyback verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Ogilbyina

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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