---
title: Dottyback (Pseudochromidae)
scientific_name: Pseudochromidae
common_name: Dottyback
rank: Family
published: 2024-11-19T18:41:51.573Z
updated: 2026-08-03T20:54:11.182Z
tags: Dottyback, Pseudochromidae, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback
---

# Dottyback (*Pseudochromidae*)

## Quick facts

- **Rank:** Family
- **Scientific name:** Pseudochromidae
- **Body shape:** Elongate - Long and slender, but still fish-shaped - trumpetfishes, needlefishes, cornetfishes.
- **Species listed here:** 11

## How to recognise this group

- small, elongated body
- rapid, darting movements
- sheltering in reef crevices
- bright, often striking colours

Dottybacks (Pseudochromidae) are small, elongated marine fishes, typically measuring 2-15 cm (1-6 in) in total length. Their name, derived from 'Pseudochromis' or 'false chromis', refers to their superficial resemblance to damselfishes (Pomacentridae) despite distinct features. Most species have a robust, somewhat compressed body with large eyes and a continuous dorsal fin. They display a wide array of colours and patterns, often with prominent body markings, dark spots, bars, or distinct colour phases.

Highly territorial, these fish inhabit rocky reefs, coral rubble, and crevices from shallow depths down to 60 m (200 ft). Most are cryptic and shy, often found singly or in pairs, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton, and darting rapidly into cover when approached. Several species are endemic to the Red Sea and are commonly encountered in their preferred habitats.


## Species (11)

- [Bluestriped Dottyback (Pseudochromis springeri)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/bluestriped-dottyback)
- [Golden Dottyback (Chlidichthys auratus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/golden-dottyback)
- [Lubbock’s Dottyback (Pectinochromis lubbocki)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/lubbocks-dottyback)
- [Lyretail Dottyback (Pseudochromis dixurus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/lyretail-dottyback)
- [Olive Dottyback (Pseudochromis olivaceus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/olive-dottyback)
- [Orchid Dottyback (Pseudochromis fridmani)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/orchid-dottyback)
- [Pale Dottyback (Pseudochromis pesi)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/pale-dottyback)
- [Redhead Dottyback (Chlidichthys rubiceps)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/redhead-dottyback)
- [Spotted Snakelet (Haliophis guttatus)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/spotted-snakelet)
- [Striped Dottyback (Pseudochromis sankeyi)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/striped-dottyback)
- [Sunrise Dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex)](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/sunrise-dottyback)

---

*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback)*
*Updated: August 3, 2026*