Dottybacks

Sunrise dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex)

The Sunrise dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) belongs to the family Pseudochromidae (dottybacks) and is endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. It is a carnivore and usually seen in pairs or alone. It reaches about 6 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Sunrise dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex), a Red Sea fish of the dottybacks family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific namePseudochromis flavivertex
FamilyDottybacks (Pseudochromidae)
Common name (IT)Dottyback cresta gialla
Common name (EN)Sunrise dottyback
Maximum size6 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionEndemic to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Endemic to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden; it does not occur elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Gulf of Aden

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Sunrise dottyback belong to?
The Sunrise dottyback (Pseudochromis flavivertex) belongs to the family Pseudochromidae (dottybacks).
Is the Sunrise dottyback dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Sunrise dottyback endemic to the Red Sea?
Yes — it lives only in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
How big does the Sunrise dottyback get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 6 cm.

Explore the Sunrise dottyback in 3D in the interactive atlas →