Lyretail Dottyback (Pseudochromis Steenei) saltwater aquarium fish portrait

The Lyretail Dottyback, Pseudochromis steenei, is a compact Western Pacific basslet that reaches roughly 5 inches at maturity. The species is sexually dichromatic: both sexes carry a gray body, while males develop a striking orange head that makes them instantly recognizable among the dottybacks. Specimens offered for the aquarium trade typically originate from Indonesia, and the species appears only occasionally, which makes a healthy individual a genuine find for collectors of unusual Pseudochromis.

In the wild, this dottyback occupies coastal patch reefs built over soft-bottom slopes, where it holds position among rubble and reef structure rather than ranging over open sand. A 30-gallon aquarium is the practical minimum for a single adult, and the layout matters more than the volume. Build generous rockwork with multiple caves, overhangs, and tight crevices so the fish can claim a defensible home base and retreat when it chooses. Secure aquascaping is important, since this species will probe and patrol every opening it can reach. A tight-fitting lid is advisable, as dottybacks are capable jumpers.

Water movement and lighting suitable for a mixed reef display suit this fish well. Because it settles quickly once it has established a territory, place the Lyretail Dottyback thoughtfully during the stocking sequence rather than adding it early to an evolving community.

This dottyback is a carnivore that hunts small prey among reef rubble and structure. In captivity it feeds readily and is not a fussy eater, accepting frozen preparations such as mysis shrimp and brine shrimp, chopped marine meats, and quality carnivore flake. Live foods are useful for encouraging a newly introduced or shy individual to begin feeding, though most specimens transition to prepared items within a few days.

Offer small portions two to three times daily rather than a single large meal, which better matches the frequent foraging habits of a small predatory fish and keeps color and condition strong. Vary the menu across several protein sources to maintain a complete nutritional profile. Feeding the tank slightly before introducing the dottyback can also help reduce the intensity of its initial territorial patrols.

Mysis Shrimp Brine Shrimp Frozen Carnivore Preparations Chopped Marine Meats Carnivore Flake Live Foods
The Lyretail Dottyback is highly territorial and aggressive. In the wild it lives alone or occasionally in pairs, and that same disposition carries into the aquarium, where an established individual will defend its chosen cave against intruders of any size. This group of dottybacks has been documented biting the camera housings of divers on the reef, and confirmed cases exist of dottybacks killing tankmates in closed systems. Treat it as a fish that dictates the social structure of the display rather than one that adapts to it.

Choose tankmates that are comparable in size or larger, confident, and able to hold their own, and avoid timid, slow-moving, or diminutive fish. Introducing this species last in the stocking order gives established residents a territorial advantage and reduces conflict. It is reef safe and will not harm corals or clams, but small ornamental shrimp, tiny crabs, and other diminutive crustaceans are fair game for a hunting carnivore of this size. House it with larger cleaner and ornamental invertebrates if you want to keep a crustacean population intact.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Lyretail Dottyback

  • How big does the Lyretail Dottyback get?
    Adults reach approximately 5 inches in length. A 30-gallon aquarium with heavy rockwork is the minimum footprint for a single adult.
  • Is the Lyretail Dottyback reef safe?
    Yes, it does not bother corals or clams and can be kept in a reef display. Small shrimp, tiny crabs, and other diminutive crustaceans may still be eaten.
  • Is this species aggressive toward other fish?
    Yes. It is highly territorial and aggressive, and dottybacks of this type have been known to kill tankmates, so pair it only with robust fish of similar or larger size.