[1] In 412 BC, Astyochus replaced Melancridas as the leader of the naval forces, and was assigned to assist the cities on the mainland of Asia Minor, as well as the surrounding islands along the coast.
[1] His immediate task was to advance the Spartan agenda by weakening the allegiances of these communities to Athens, as well as to demonstrate through his presence Sparta's willingness to provide continued support and assistance.
[5] However, Lesbos had recently transformed into a war zone, as the Chians had incited revolts in the key cities of Methymna and Mytilene.
This reinforcement to the Spartan forces removed Astyochus' worry about the Chian revolt, so he turned his attention to Clazomenae, where he made an unsuccessful attempt to capture the city and its surrounds.
[1] Following his failed attempt at Clazomenae, the Spartan representatives on Lesbos requested Astyochus' assistance in supporting a second uprising against Athens.
[1] While Astyochus was eager to provide help, he was nevertheless forced to return to Chios after the plans for insurrection were opposed by the Corinthians and other Spartan allies.
Astyochus did not play a pivotal role in the successful revolt of the Rhodians from Athens supported by the united Peloponnesian fleet.
Thucydides offered further evidence of Astyochus' defection to Tissaphernes: his submission to the pay cut of Peloponnesian sailors, and his lack of action in capitalising on the weakened and disorganised Athenian forces in Samos and the Hellespont during 411 BC.
[5] Astyochus not only failed to pay the troops, but also refused to attack the Athenians at Samos with the excuse that he was waiting for further reinforcements of Phoenician forces that Tissaphernes had promised.
However, Astyochus eventually did set sail with 112 galleys to attack the Athenians at Samos, as he had faced strong pressure and complaints from the Syracusan sailors and the Peloponnesian soldiers at Miletus.