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🌊 Marine Least Concern 🌡️ Tropical

Dark dottyback

Pseudochromis melas Lubbock, 1977
Max Length
8 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.5
Depth
15–30 m
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
-
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
reef

📖 Overview

Dark dottyback (Pseudochromis melas) 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 8 cm. It occurs at depths between 15 and 30 metres. With a trophic level of 3.5, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Scientific Name
Pseudochromis melas
Authority
Lubbock, 1977
Habitat
Marine
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
8 cm
Depth Range
15–30 m
Trophic Level
3.5
Vulnerability
19.00/100
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 26; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 15.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Dark dottyback is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Dark dottyback is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Reproduction data for Dark dottyback is currently being compiled.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; reef-associated; depth range 15 - 30 m . Tropical South Africa.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 🪸 Reef Associated
Trophic Level
3.5±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.0049 × L3.11 (TL)
Max TL
8cm
Dorsal Spines
3
Dorsal Rays
26
Anal Spines
3
Anal Rays
15

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2019

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Fishing Vulnerability
19.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.5
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Lubbock, 1977

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