Yellowfin Dottyback
Pseudochromis wilsoni
Dottybacks are shy, retiring reef inhabitants, not commonly seen away from the cover of crevices on reefs and rubble patches. This species, like others of the genus displays sexual dimorphism (sexes have different colour patterns). Males are dark blue to greyish overall with reddish eyes. Females are tan-brown to olive green overall with a faint pattern of barring on the sides and a distinctive yellow edge on the dorsal fin and upper caudal fin margin.
Morphology
Elongated body with a single dorsal fin, rounded to slightly truncate (squared-off) caudal fin and a relatively large eye. Maximum size attained is 8 cm.
Evolution
Pseudochromis comprises 70 species, almost half of the total number of species that are currently recognised in the dottyback family Pseudochromidae.
Behaviour
Dottybacks are typically reclusive, usually sheltering amongst rubble or reef crevices.
Method of reproduction
Sexual; other pseudochromids are believed to be protogynous hermaphrodites, with individuals born female and becoming male later in life.
Habitat
Marine
Most common in shallow inshore reefs in depths less than 30 m. Specimens have recently been collected from trawling grounds in the northern Kimberley in 70+ m of water.
Distribution
Northern Australia between Port Denison (WA) and Bargara (Qld). A few records also exist from southern Papua New Guinea.
Life Cycle
Oviparous
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pseudochromidae |
| Genus: | Pseudochromis |
| Species: | wilsoni |
| Name Published Year: | 1929 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name Authorship: | Whitley |
| Commercial Impact: | None |
| Conservation Assessment: | Least Concern |
Cite this page
Western Australian Museum Collections https://museum.wa.gov.au/online-collections/names/Pseudochromis-wilsoni
Accessed 21 May 2024
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