Orangetail Dottyback

Pseudochromis coccinicauda

Saltwater Fish Species Group: Dottybacks Family: Pseudochromidae

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Water parameters

Temp 76-80 F Temperature

Maintaining a stable and appropriate temperature is critical for the survival of aquatic life.

pH 7.8 - 8.4 potential of Hydrogen

Measuring the acidity or alkalinity of water on a 0–14 scale, where 7 is neutral, 7 is alkaline.

NO3 1-20 ppm Nitrate

While less toxic than ammonia, high nitrate levels (above 40–80 ppm) are important to monitor because they can cause fish stress, stunted growth, and harmful algae blooms.

NO2 <0.0001 ppm Nitrite

It is a highly toxic, intermediate compound in the nitrogen cycle produced from broken-down ammonia

PO4 0.01 - 0.1 ppm Phosphate

It is essential for plant development but must be managed, as excess levels trigger nuisance algae blooms and inhibit coral calcification.

NH3 <0.1 ppm Ammonia

It is the primary killer of aquarium fish, causing gill damage, stress, and death

Ca 380 - 450 ppm Calcium

Supporting the growth, skeletal structure, and shell formation of corals, mollusks, crustaceans, and coralline algae

KH 8 - 12 dKH Alkalinity

It acts as a shield, neutralizing acids to prevent dangerous pH "crashes" that can harm fish, corals, and plants.

Mg 1200 - 1400 ppm Magnesium

It enables coral growth by supporting skeletal formation, assists in metabolic processes, and ensures that calcium is available for corals, clams, and coralline algae.

SG 1.023 - 1.026 SG Salinity

Essential for maintaining stable, natural water parameters, proper osmoregulation, and stress-free environments for marine fish and corals

ORP 250 - 400 mV Oxidation-Reduction Potential

A higher positive mV indicates clean, oxygen-rich water with high water quality, while low readings indicate high pollution.

About Orangetail Dottyback

General information

Demonstrating sexual dichromatism, the male and female Orangetail Dottyback clad two very different, yet uniquely attractive color schemes. In regards to dichromatic species, females are generally thought to be drabber in coloration. However, it is the female Orangetail Dottyback that demonstrates the namesake orange colored tail. The dominant body color of the female Orangetail Dottyback is a muted brown with a hint of dusky pink. In contrast, the male Orangetail Dottyback is predominantly a soothing midnight blue. This sedate body color is energized by a brilliant contrasting gold coloration that encompasses the lower half of the head and body. Iridescent vertical barring adds the finishing touches to the showy male Orangetail Dottyback. The Orangetail Dottyback tends to be relatively more introverted compared to other gregarious Pseudochromis. Create ample crevices and cave for the Orangetail Dottyback to seek refuge. Dottyback species, it is recommended to house the Orangetail Dottyback singly unless the aquarium is very large.

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