The dottybacks are a family, Pseudochromidae, of fishes which were formerly classified in the order Perciformes, but this has been revised and the family is regarded as of uncertain affinities, or incertae sedis within the Ovalentaria, a clade within the Percomorpha. Around 152 species belong to this family.[1]
They are found in the tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific, where most inhabit coral reefs. Many species are brightly coloured fish, often showing striking sexual dimorphism. They are generally small, mostly less than 10abbr=onNaNabbr=on in length, and some less than 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on.[2] The largest by far, at up to 45cm (18inches), is Congrogadus subducens.[3] Dottybacks are distinguished from other families by the presence of three or less spines in the dorsal fin and an incomplete lateral line organ.[2]
Several of the brightly coloured members of the family are often seen in the marine aquarium trade, although some species are aggressively territorial.[4]
Family Pseudochromidae
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