Pseudochromis tapeinosoma Bleeker, 1853
Blackmargin dottyback
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pseudochromidae (Dottybacks), subfamily: Pseudochrominae
Max. size:  7.4 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 2 - 60 m
Distribution:  Indo-West Pacific: western coast of Australia (Ref. 7300) to New Caledonia (Ref. 11897), north to Japan (Ref. 559). Reported from the Laccadive Sea in India (Ref. 45255).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 3-3; Dorsal soft rays (total): 21-23; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 12-14. Description: Characterized by male with yellow to tan brown color with scattered blue flecks on side, presence of broad blue stripe from top of head, along back and basal portion of dorsal fin to caudal fin, forming a horseshoe-shaped marking continuing ventrally to base of anal fin; female brownish with similar but weak markings; anterior lateral line scales 20-27; predorsal scales 10-15; depth of body 24.9-28.0 % of SL (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits inshore reefs; also tide pools and lagoons (Ref. 1602). Solitary or in pairs in crevices (Ref 90102).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 March 2015 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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