Dottybacks - Pseudochromis - Basslets

The Dottyback also called Pseudochromis, are small brilliantly coloured reef fish which are very shy in the wild and are never found far from their favored cave. A common site in any reef aquarium, Dottybacks/Pseudochromis come from coral reefs all over the world, about 100 different species, broken into 4 sub-families with 16 genera. Many of these fish are hard to collect and are found in remote locations. Depending on where you live they can be quite rare and very expensive. In marine aquariums Dottybacks/Pseudochromis will start out being very shy but can warm to you with time. They are always darting to and from their favored cave while still trying to keep a keen eye on what ever you maybe doing in the room. In an aquarium it is important to offer these fish a varied diet of high quality food as over time they tend to become dull in color, which can be very disappointing. Frozen plankton, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms, pellets and flakes are all popular selections.

Springeri Dottyback
(Pseudochromis Springeri)

Description: Another beautiful dottyback from the Red Sea, Springer's Dottyback is an excellent addition to the reef aquarium. Its coloration is Deep Blue with Vibrant Flourescent blue accent lines running through the head region. Springer's Dottyback it is a very active, graceful swimmer, and is a joy to watch working their way around the rocky reef. Springer's Dottyback is very hardy and easy to keep. Feeding frozen shrimp such as brine or mysid is best.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$39.99

Sunrise Dottyback
(Pseudochromis Flavivertex)

Description: The Sunrise Dottyback is another brightly colored basslet found in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They have a yellow stripe dorsally from the snout to the tail, and have a blue body with white ventral area. They are found living as solitary individuals around coral heads and rock rubble on the bottom. Generally, they are not too aggressive in aquariums and can be kept with gobies, blennies and other small reef tank fish. In aquariums they are relatively peaceful, and also suitable for community fish tanks. Plenty of rocky hiding places should be provided though.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$49.99

Splendid Dottyback
(Pseudochromis splendens)

Description: The Splendid Dottyback is a most beautiful rock basslet found in eastern Indonesia and the Northwest coast of Australia. Uncommonly imported into the U.S. ,they have commanded high demand from hobbyists. This is one of the largest dottyback species reaching a full-grown size of up to 6 inches. They live solitary on coral heads and sponges at depths of 60-120 feet.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$39.99

Tankraised Orchid Dottyback
( Pseudomchromis Fridmani)

Description: Held in high esteem by many reef-tank keepers for it's almost fluorescent violet coloration, lack of shyness, elegant swimming style, and a "minding my own business" attitude. The Orchid Dottyback, sometimes called King Solomon's fish, is found only in the Red Sea. It is found in colonies near vertical walls or ledges, where they dart out to grab a meal from the passing zooplankton, then rush back. In the sea they are found at moderate to deep depths, and look blue rather than the magenta or violet color most aquarists are used to. This is due to the filtering of red light by sea water. In aquariums, the Orchid dottyback is quite easy to keep and feed.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$39.99

#1 FISH FOR BRISTLE WORM CONTROL
Tank Raised Neon Dottyback
(Pseudochromis aldabraensis)

Description:The Neon Dottyback, also known as the Neon Pseudochromis, is exotically pigmented, with an eye catching neon blue, orange, and yellow. They are strikingly beautiful to look at and have a very curious personality. Tank Bred Dottybacks are very hardy and durable fish making them a perfect addition for the novice or seasoned aquarist.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$39.99

Swalesi Basslet
Liopropoma swalesi

Rare and beautiful!

Description:The Swalesi Basslets are much more secretive than most of their basslet cousins. Although many of the reef basslets are abundant in certain parts of their range, relatively little is known about tthe Swalesi due to their secretive nature. They are rarely seen in open water, but instead, reside in caves and crevices. When divers do see them, it is when they are dashing from one hiding place to another or in the back of deep caves. Also called the Swales Swissguard Basslet or the Pacific Candy Basslet, it is a beautiful addition to any saltwater aquarium. It has fantastic coloration, is exceptionally hardy and is very easy to care for. Its elongated body is covered with alternating horizontal stripes.
Reef Compatability: An excellent reef-dwelling fish, the Swales Swissguard Basslet will not pick on corals or invertebrates, making them an ideal fish for the reef aquarium.
Suggested Aquarium size: Provide at least a 30 gallon aquarium with plenty of live rock.
Feeding: Swales Swissguard Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations.
Level of Care: Moderate
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$89.99

Discovered only 5 Years Ago!
Orange Peel Psudochromis
Pseudochromis tonozukai

Male Orange Peel Pseudochromis

Description:Description:Described only in 2004, this recently discovered beauty has a very limited range in nature in Southern Indonesia. A colorful and newly available subspecies, Orange Peel Pseudochromis, Pseudochromis sp., has some qualities that are quite unique for its genus. These Balinese gems have been observed to be more peaceful than many other Pesudochromis, pairs also seem to form a bond quickly. This species, as with all other members of this family, will assumedly help in the extermination of bristleworms. Both beautiful and ideal for captivity, this fish entered the trade before it was even described to science! Both male and females are gorgeous, both are multicolored greenish and bluish, the male has a red streak on his side. Also known as the Totegan Dottyback,Tono's Dottyback and Spot-Stripe Dottyback. Very hardy and easy to care for (virtually indestructible!) and safe with corals.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:Very easy to feed, will eat most anything offered. Offer a varied diet including frozen preparations for carnivores, frozen mysis and brine shrimp and finely chopped seafoods
Level of Care: Easy,Very hardy and easy to care for (virtually indestructible!)
Reef Compatibility:Excellent reef fish. Safe with corals and sessile inverts.

Singles $49.99 Mated Pairs $129.99

Bicolor Psudochromis
Pseudochromis paccagnellae

Description:Bicolor Pseudochromis, are found living within the coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region. Also known by the common name Bicolor Dottyback, they are agile swimmers that bring a wealth of color to the aquarium. They are also revered for their ability to hunt and consume bristleworms.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$14.99

Magenta Pseudochromis
Pseudochromis Porphyreus

Description:What makes this particular species so appealing? Maybe it is its dazzling purple coloration, or perhaps it has something to do with its interestingly curious nature. Also known by the common name Magenta Dottyback, these fish are so bold, that they will often times dart out to challenge the feeding hand of its owner and remain close by It remains rather small as compared to other marine fish, reaching an average of only 3 inches in length.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$14.99

Diadema Pseudochromis

Description:Solid yellow, with a purple stripe down the middle of the head, that looks like a punk haircut! Also known by the common name Diadema Dottyback, a few different dottybacks in your tank will assure your tank of a long life without bristle worms.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$14.99

Royal Gramma Basslet

Description:The Royal Gramma is found throughout the Caribbean. Quite hardy,a forward half of brilliant purple, rear half of bright yellow . One of the easiest, most colorful, and most popular basslets. It is an excellent choice for a reef aquarium, and since it remains small, is perfect for small reef systems.
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallon
Feeding and diet: Royal Gramma's will do well on a diet of meaty foods including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good

$14.99

Chalk Basslet
Serranus tortugarum

Description:The Chalk Basslet is a peaceful, very sturdy aquarium fish. Although not aggressive, they will defend their favorite hole or interstice, chasing fish away that venture to near. Best kept with peaceful tankmates. If you want to keep more than one, add them simultaneously to a larger tank with plenty of hiding places. They like to float in place or hover over rubble, silty or sandy bottoms. Overall, Chalk Basslets are a great addition for any size tanks from 20 gallons and above.
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallon
Feeding and diet: Carnivorous, feeds mainly on zooplankton. Feed meaty foods such as mysis shrimp and vitamin-enriched brine shrimp.
Level of Care: Very Easy, an ideal fish for the reef aquarium, this durable fish typically does great in any well maintained aquarium.
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.
Approx ship size: 1 - 2"

$14.99

Swiss Guard Basslet
Liopropoma rubre

Description: The Swissguard Basslet, also called the Peppermint Basslet is a beautiful fish. An excellent reef-dwelling fish, the Swissguard Basslet may only pose a threat to smaller, ornamental crustaceans.
Minimum Tank Size: Provide at least a 10 gallon tank for a single individual.
Feeding and diet: As a carnivore, the Swissguard Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$64.99

Tobacco Basslet
Serranus tabacarius

Description: The Tobacco Basslet is a very sturdy aquarium fish. Although not particularly aggressive, they will defend their favorite hole or interstice, chasing fish away that venture to near. Best kept with peaceful tankmates. If you want to keep more than one, add them simultaneously to a larger tank with plenty of hiding places.
Minimum Tank Size: 20
Feeding and diet: As a carnivore, the Tobacco Basslet will thrive on a diet of meaty foods such as finely chopped fresh or frozen marine fish, squid, mysid shrimp, and frozen carnivore preparations.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Excellent
Approximate Purchase Size: 1" to 2"

$16.99

Black Cap Basslet

Description:The Black Cap Basslet is a deep water species found throughout the Caribbean. Quite hardy, its brilliant purple body and jet-black cap make it a striking addition to any aquarium. A threat to only the smallest invertebrates such as Copepods, Isopods, or Amphipods. Provide at least a 30 gallon tank with rock caves to hide in. Black Cap Basslets can become territorial once established, so they should not be kept with other basslets.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon
Feeding and diet: Black Cap Basslets will do well on a diet of meaty foods including marine fish, crustacean flesh, mysid shrimp, and quality frozen preparations.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$39.99

Tankraised Sankeyi Dottyback
( Pseudochromis sankeyi )

Description: The Striped Sankeyi Dottyback is found in the Southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. They live in small colonies in rock rubble at relatively shallow depths. This is one of the least territorial of the dottybacks due to its lifestyle of living in colonies with other members of the species. P. sankeyi have a distinct black and white striped color pattern. This is an easy species to care for in the marine aquarium, as long as it's provided good rocky hiding places and zooplanktonic foods such as brine, mysid or krill shrimp. More than one per tank is possible since they exhibit colonial behavior and normally do not fight each other. It is best to introduce all the fish together when trying to establish a colony.
Recommended minimum tank size: 20 gallon or larger
Food and diet:They are small plankton feeders so foods such as brine shrimp, krill and mysid shrimp are perfect. Feed Daily.
Level of Care: Easy
Reef Compatibility:Very good reef or community fish.

$24.99

YOUR FISH HEALTH DEPENDS ON WHAT YOU FEED THEM- FEED THEM THE BEST FISH FOODS

Why Use New Life Spectrum Fish Foods?
All-natural New Life Spectrum contains absolutely no hormones. New Life Spectrum noticeably increases both color and vigor in both marine and freshwater fish. Premium ingredients produce results superior to other pellets, and even specialized fresh food (such as brine shrimp, seaweed, etc.) without pollution. The high-density, nutritious pellets help prevent lateral line disease, as well as other ailments related to faltering health. New Life Spectrum provides trace elements present in natural environments, but missing in aquariums.

Using Other Brands:
Even some hard to feed marine fish will eat New Life Spectrum fish food. Pellets are designed with no dust and will stay in the water for hours without disintegrating, reducing pollution.
New Life Spectrum is suitable for omnivorous, herbivorous, and many carnivorous fish. Ounce-for-ounce, New Life Spectrum provides far better nutrition than flake food, and is less-expensive relative to weight.
- High-quality easily digestible krill & fish meal protein
- Balanced daily diet for all marine fish
- Boosts immune system to repel parasites
- Enhances the full spectrum of your fish's color

Click here for more information on the importance of phytoplankton for your corals

We Highly Recommend you use Spectrum Fish Food by Newlife
Feed your fish a better food and watch their health and colors improve
Starting At - $7.99

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Photos are representative of each species. Each animal is unique and variations should be expected.

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Please note: Aquatic Connection will not guarantee the coloration of corals as seen in your reef system.

Reason? Not all corals from our tanks and lighting will look the same when they are in your tanks. Everybody's tanks have different lighting setups, spectrums, combinations, etc. Aquatic Connection's tanks are lit by 400 watt 20K Halide bulbs. We use this combination for best growth. But for best viewing this is not the best lighting choice. Aquatic Connection photographs all polyps under Actinic only lighting. This brings out the true zoanthilia and protopalythoa colors. If your tank consists of all daylight (10K's, 14K's etc.) with minimal actinic lighting, your not going to see the vibrant true colors. We suggest you add true actinic lamps also and turn these on in the evening without the daylight lighting for proper color viewing.