Pseudochromidae

Lore & Background

The family Pseudochromidae was formerly classified in the order Perciformes or considered incertae sedis percomorphs, but is now considered basal blenniiforms. Many species are brightly coloured fish, often showing striking sexual dimorphism. They are generally small, mostly less than 10 cm (4 in) in length, and some less than 2 cm (0.8 in). The largest by far, at up to 45 cm (1 ft 6 in), is Congrogadus subducens. Dottybacks are distinguished from other families by the presence of three or less spines in the dorsal fin and an incomplete lateral line organ.

Reader's Guide

Several of the brightly coloured members of the family are often seen in the marine aquarium trade, although some species are aggressively territorial. The family includes four subfamilies: Anisochrominae, Congrogadinae (eel blennies), Pseudochrominae, and Pseudoplesiopinae. Notable genera include Pseudochromis, Congrogadus, and Chlidichthys. The family's reclassification from Perciformes or incertae sedis percomorphs to basal blenniiforms reflects ongoing taxonomic revision. Their presence in the aquarium trade highlights their visual appeal, but their territorial behavior is a consideration for aquarists. The family's diversity, with around 152 species, and its distribution across the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific underscore its ecological role on coral reefs.

Did You Know?

• Dottybacks are now considered basal blenniiforms.
• The largest dottyback species is Congrogadus subducens, reaching up to 45 cm.
• Some dottyback species are aggressively territorial in the aquarium trade.