Pseudochromis aureus, also known as Brown Dottyback, or Yellow Pseudochromis, is a wide ranging saltwater fish from the Indo-Pacific that is occasionally kept in aquariums.

Appearance

A small marine fish that reaches four inches in length. It varies in color from blackish brown, to bright yellow.

In the Aquarium

Pseudochromis steenei is a hardy member of a saltwater aquarium. As one of the few saltwater aquarium fish that can be bred in captivity use of tank bred individuals in aquariums is often encouraged to reduce the pressure on wild populations.

Twenty gallons is typically quoted as the minimum tank size required to permanently house this fish. Because it typically ignores invertebrates it is considered reef safe, although it will sometimes attack shrimp.

It is more aggressive than most dottybacks. It can be particularly territorial with members of its own species meaning it is best to only keep one in an aquarium. Despite its hardy nature, it should not be placed in an aquarium with larger predatory fish such as lion fish, and grouper which may see it as a food source.