Blacktail dottyback

📖 Overview

Blacktail dottyback (Pseudochromis melanurus) is a ray-finned fish of the family Pseudochromidae. It inhabits marine (saltwater) waters in reef-associated environments. This species can reach a maximum total length of 4 cm. It occurs at depths between 0 and 10 metres. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21 - 22; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14; Vertebrae: 26 - 27. This species distinguished by the following characters: 21-22 (rarely 21) segmented dorsal-fin rays; 12-14 (rarely 12 or 14) segmented anal fin rays; weakly pungent to flexible anal spines, the second one varying from about as stout to less stout than the third; 29-35 (usually 30-33) scales in lateral series; 23-28 (usually 24-27) anterior lateral line scales; 10-12 scales below anterior lateral line; males with distinct coloration, head and body dark grey to black (dark brown to black when preserved), the lower part of head and body in front to anal-fin origin yellowish brown (when preserved pale brown to brown) .

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Blacktail dottyback is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Blacktail dottyback is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Blacktail dottyback is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 10 m . Tropical

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute