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Howson's dottyback (Pseudochromis howsoni) — Pseudochromidae

Howson's dottyback

Pseudochromis howsoni

The Howson's dottyback (Pseudochromis howsoni) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–23.0 m
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Howson's dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from shallow coral-reef and rocky water of the western Indian Ocean around Arabia. The species grows to about 7 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 Howson's dottyback?

The Howson's dottyback has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Howson's dottyback live?

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

How big does the Howson's dottyback get?

The Howson's dottyback grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Howson's dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Howson's dottyback is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Howsons grondelbaars sourced
English name
Howson's dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pseudochromis howsoni
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Shelf dottyback verified

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Max depth (m)
23.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

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 Pseudochromis

More from the family Pseudochromidae

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