HomeMarine aquarium fishGobies, blennies & dottybacksPale dottyback Pale dottyback (Pseudochromis pesi) Scientific name: Pseudochromis pesi Lubbock, 1975 The Pale dottyback (Pseudochromis pesi) is a marine fish of the family Pseudochromidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–26°C (75–79°F). Native range: Western Indian Ocean, endemic to the Red Sea. Pale dottyback care at a glanceTemperature24–26°C (75–79°F) BiologyOccurs around small isolated rocks or corals on sandy bottoms. Found singly or in pairs.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific namePseudochromis pesiFamilyPseudochromidae (Dottybacks)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length10.0Depth range10–45 m (33–148 ft)EnvironmentMarine; reef-associated; depth range 10 - 45 m, usually 10 - 45 mClimateTropicalDistributionWestern Indian Ocean: endemic to the Red Sea.Conservation status (IUCN)Vulnerable (VU) (D2)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercial More gobies, blennies & dottybacksYellowhead jawfishOpistognathus aurifronsFire gobyNemateleotris magnificaYellow prawn-gobyCryptocentrus cinctusPersian blennyEcsenius midasCometCalloplesiops altivelisRoyal dottybackPictichromis paccagnellaeSee all gobies, blennies & dottybacks SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.Last updated 27 September 2026