The Springer’s Dottyback, scientifically known as Pseudochromis springeri, is a small, striking marine fish native to the Red Sea. Its dark body is highlighted by vivid electric-blue markings concentrated around the head and along the dorsal region, giving this compact fish dramatic coloration despite its small adult size.
In nature, Pseudochromis springeri inhabits lagoon and seaward reefs, where it lives among corals and rocky crevices at depths of approximately 2–60 meters. FishBase reports a maximum adult length of 5.5 cm, or about 2.2 inches.
This specimen is captive bred, making it well suited to aquarium life. Springer’s Dottybacks are hardy, active fish that spend much of their time exploring rockwork and moving in and out of caves and crevices. ORA describes the species as hardy and easy to maintain, while also noting that it can be territorial toward members of its own species.
Springer’s Dottybacks are generally considered reef compatible because they do not normally damage corals. As with many dottybacks, however, caution is appropriate with very small ornamental crustaceans.
Care Guide
Scientific Name: Pseudochromis springeri Lubbock, 1975
Common Names: Springer’s Dottyback, Springeri Dottyback, Blue-Striped Dottyback
Family: Pseudochromidae
Origin: Red Sea
Availability: Captive Bred / Tank Raised
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive / Territorial
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible
Minimum Aquarium Size: 20–30 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 2.2 inches / 5.5 cm
Diet: Carnivore
Temperature: Approximately 75–81°F; the species occurs naturally in tropical waters around 24–27°C
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4
Aquarium Requirements:
Provide plenty of rockwork containing caves, overhangs, and narrow retreats. Dottybacks naturally inhabit reef crevices, and Springer’s Dottybacks frequently move through rocky structures rather than remaining continuously in open water. FishBase records the species among corals on lagoon and seaward reefs.
Temperament:
Springer’s Dottybacks are active and territorial. They may defend a favored cave or section of rockwork and can be aggressive toward other Pseudochromis, particularly members of their own species. ORA recommends keeping them individually unless they are a compatible pair or housed in a sufficiently large aquarium.
Reef Compatibility:
Generally reef compatible and suitable for coral aquariums. They are not considered coral predators. Because dottybacks are small carnivorous fishes, extremely small ornamental crustaceans should still be introduced with caution.
Diet and Feeding:
Offer a varied diet of appropriately sized meaty marine foods. Mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped marine foods, and high-quality carnivorous pellets are all suitable. ORA specifically recommends frozen brine shrimp and mysis shrimp.
