9 photos - 6 species
Introduction
This family comprises five subfamilies with 12 genera and over 125 species.
The colorful dwarf perches are rarely seen by divers.
All are territorial and extremely shy.
As carnivores, they feed on worms, small crustaceans and zooplankton.
Depending on the species, they can reach a length of 5 to 18 cm.
Pictichromis diadema
Bicolor dottyback, Diadem dottyback or Purple-top dottyback
Maximum length: 6 cm
Lives in small groups between reefs with rich coral growth and rocks.
Very shy species.
Photo 1 Johnny: Luxembourg ( Aquarium )
Pseudochromis dixurus
Fork-tail dottyback
Maximum length: 9 cm
Depth: 20 - 60 m
Lives in lagoons and sheltered bays, at a depth of 5 - 60 m.
Very shy species.
It is usually only seen when it dares to come out of hiding.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pseudochromis flavivertex
Sunrise dottyback
Maximum length: 7 cm
Depth: 1 - 30 m
The male has a blue body with a yellow back, the female is yellow.
Lives in sheltered bays and lagoons, regularly on sand
and rubble at the foot of coral slopes, the female lives very hidden
and is rarely observed.
Very shy.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pseudochromis fridmani
Orchid dottyback
Maximum length: 7 cm
Depth: 1 - 60 m
Lives near crevices and holes in steep overhangs and walls, always restless near hiding places, only appearing briefly.
Very shy.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pseudochromis sankeyi
Striped dottyback
Maximum length: 7 cm
Depth: 2 - 10 m
Black with 2 broad white stripes.
Rarely found singly and very shy.
Photo 1 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt
Pseudochromis springeri
Blue-striped dottyback
Maximum length: 5.5 cm
Depth: 2 - 60 m
Black body with two cobalt blue head stripes.
Found in sheltered bays and lagoons.
Hides in small branching corals, is strongly attached to its home spot,
which it does not leave and where it only sometimes peeks out.
Very shy.
Photos 1 - 2 Johnny: Hurghada Egypt