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Yellow dottyback (Pseudochromis luteus) — Pseudochromidae

Yellow dottyback

Pseudochromis luteus

The Yellow dottyback (Pseudochromis luteus) is a saltwater fish of the family Pseudochromidae that grows up to 5 cm.

Length
4.7 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–20 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Philippines

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Description

The Yellow dottyback is a dottyback (Pseudochromidae) from shallow coral-reef and rocky water of the western Pacific. 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 Yellow dottyback?

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

Where does the Yellow dottyback live?

The Yellow dottyback lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Philippines

How big does the Yellow dottyback get?

The Yellow dottyback grows to a maximum of about 5 cm.

Is the Yellow dottyback dangerous to humans?

No, the Yellow dottyback is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Yellow dottyback (Pseudochromis luteus) — Pseudochromidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Yellow dottyback (Pseudochromis luteus) — Pseudochromidae — 3
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM

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All data

Identification

English name
Yellow dottyback sourced
Scientific name
Pseudochromis luteus
Family
Pseudochromidae
Other names
Orange dottyback sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
0 verified
Max depth (m)
20 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Philippines sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
No
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. 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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