Yellow Pseudochromis: The Bold Yellow Dottyback

The Yellow Pseudochromis (Pseudochromis aureus), also often called the Yellow Dottyback or sometimes the Golden Dottyback, is a stunningly bright and hardy marine fish. Native to the reefs of the Indo-Pacific, this species is prized for its vivid, canary-yellow coloration, which adds an immediate dash of brilliance to any saltwater aquarium. Its small size and bold color make it a fantastic centerpiece for smaller reef systems.

Reaching a maximum adult length of about 4 inches (10 cm), the Yellow Pseudochromis is easy to care for but should not be underestimated. Like most Dottybacks, it is territorial and semi-aggressive. It requires an aquarium of at least 30 gallons with ample live rock to create caves, crevices, and clear boundaries, which help mitigate its territorial behavior.

This fish is an active swimmer and patrolman, spending much of its time darting among the rockwork. It is an accomplished jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential to prevent it from escaping the aquarium.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: The Yellow Pseudochromis is a dedicated Carnivore. In the wild, it feeds on small benthic crustaceans and zooplankton.
• Feeding: It readily accepts a varied diet of meaty foods in captivity. Feed small, frequent meals of high-quality frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped seafood, and high-quality marine flakes and pellets. A diet rich in carotenoids will help maintain its vibrant yellow coloration.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. While it rarely bothers corals, it is known to be a predator of small, ornamental crustaceans, such as cleaner shrimp and smaller ornamental shrimp and may also target beneficial micro-invertebrates. It is also an excellent predator of nuisance bristleworms.
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive and Territorial. It is best kept singly. If a pair is desired, they must be introduced simultaneously and require a larger, complex tank (50+ gallons). It should be introduced as one of the last fish to the aquarium to prevent it from establishing full dominance. Avoid housing with smaller, docile fish or fish with similar body shapes (like Royal Grammas).
• Tankmates: Best kept with active, semi-aggressive fish of similar size or larger, such as damsels, tangs, and larger wrasses.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudochromis aureus
• Primary Common Name: Yellow Pseudochromis
• Other Common Names: Yellow Dottyback, Golden Dottyback
• Origin: Indo-Pacific (Widespread)
• Max Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May eat small shrimp and inverts)