---
title: Olive Dottyback (Pseudochromis olivaceus)
scientific_name: Pseudochromis olivaceus
common_name: Olive Dottyback
taxon: Dottyback
conservation_status: LC - Least Concern
published: 2024-11-07T21:17:57.276Z
updated: 2026-08-08T21:27:50.665Z
tags: Olive Dottyback, Pseudochromis olivaceus, Dottyback, Red Sea, Marine Life, Diving
url: https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/olive-dottyback
---

# Olive Dottyback (*Pseudochromis olivaceus*)

## Quick facts

- **Group:** Dottyback (*Pseudochromidae*)
- **Size:** 9 cm
- **Depth:** 1-20 m
- **Conservation status:** LC - Least Concern

The Pseudochromis olivaceus, commonly known as the olive dottyback, is a species of ray-finned fish belonging to the family Pseudochromidae. It inhabits marine environments and is typically associated with coral reef ecosystems, residing at depths ranging from 1 to 20 meters. This tropical species can attain a standard length of up to 9 cm (3.5 inches).

 It is characterized by a dark olive coloration on its dorsal side and a yellow or drab brown hue ventrally.

A benthic spawner, the Pseudochromis olivaceus is commonly found among coral formations. This species favors shallow reef habitats, frequently seeking refuge within branching corals such as Pocillopora.

Geographically, the olive dottyback's range is confined to the western Indian Ocean, specifically within the Red Sea region.

## Also known as

- **English:** olive dottyback
- **Hebrew:** צבעון זיתני
- **German:** Oliver Zwergbarsch
- **Portuguese:** Pseudodonzela-oliva
- **Czech:** sapínovec olivový

## Range

Red Sea

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*Source: [Red Sea Creatures](https://redseacreatures.com/taxon/fishes/bony-fishes/dottyback/olive-dottyback)*
*Updated: August 8, 2026*