Pseudoplesiops typus

Bleeker, 1858

Hidden Dottyback, Ringeyed Dottyback

Range: Western Pacific Ocean: Borneo to Solomon Islands, north to Philippines, south to northwestern Australia, and the Marshall Islands

Size: 2 inches (5 cm)

Natural Environment: Inhabits reef crests and lagoons near coral heads and usually found between depths of 20 to 200 feet (6 – 60 m) where it feeds on small worms and crustaceans/zooplankton.

General Husbandry: Occasionally seen in the trade and an attractive species having pink body with a black ring around the eye and dark highlights on the dorsal and anal fins

Can be maintained in reef or fish-only aquariums having some rocky hiding places/crevices to take shelter, as this species is secretive, especially upon first entering the aquarium. However, it will become bolder and develop into a fairly good tankmate, for a dottyback. May annoy small tankmates.

As to diet, products such as marine fish and crustacean flesh, clams, and other marine meaty foods should make up the majority of their diet. Therefore a meaty diet such as enriched chopped fresh fish or shrimp flesh, and/or frozen carnivore foods should be fed once daily.

Taxonomy:

Order: Perciformes

Suborder: Percoidei

Family: Pseudochromidae

Subfamily: Pseudochrominae

Genus: Pseudoplesiops

FYI: Since they are extremely fast moving and secretive, if having to remove it from a reef aquarium with many hiding areas, it would be a major task!

Experience Level: Beginner

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet: Carnivore

Coral Safe: Yes

Fish Safe: Yes

Invertebrate Safe: With caution

Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+

Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium

Tankmates: Peaceful

Minimum Tank Size: 20+ gallons

Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)

Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026

pH: 8.0 - 8.5