Pseudochromis nigrovittatus (Boulenger, 1897)

Abstract

Pseudochromis nigrovittatus or Dottybacks are common inhabitants of coral reefs throughout the tropical Indo-West Pacific. P. nigrovittatus inhabits equally frequently mixed communities of macroalgae and hard corals and sparse hard coral communities on rock platform, including those dominated by Acropora, Porites, Galaxea. P. nigrovittatus was recorded from a depth range of 4–20 m. Maximum length is 8 cm in Persian Gulf (Iran, Kish Island). All dottybacks are hermaphrodites. The sexes are separate. There is a possibility of sexual dimorphism in P. nigrovittatus, such that males are usually bigger than females. Color and caudal fin morphology differences have also been observed. Dottybacks lay a demersal spherical egg of approximately 2–2.5 cm (300–500 embryos) in diameter, which is guarded by the male on the substrate until hatching. Reproductive behavior has been observed in pairs; before spawning, the male accompanies the female to the nest site. The spawning event takes between one to three hours depending on the species. Then, parental care is exclusively performed by the male until hatching. If appropriate tank conditions are maintained, spawning occurs every six days. Embryo development for both species lasts 96 h at 27°C. Newly hatched larvae are large (3.6–3.8 cm) and they start feeding the morning after hatching.