Royal Dottyback (Pseudochromis paccagnellae) Care Guide
Pseudochromis paccagnellae is a small Western Pacific dottyback with a magenta front and yellow rear, known for its territorial temperament.
Overview
Pseudochromis paccagnellae is a small marine dottyback with a bright purple front half and a yellow posterior. Native to the Western Pacific, it is often confused with the royal gramma (Gramma loreto). Common names include royal dottyback, bicolor dottyback and false gramma.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pseudochromidae
- Genus: Pseudochromis
- Scientific name: Pseudochromis paccagnellae
- FishBase accepted name: Pictichromis paccagnellorum (Axelrod, 1973)
Habitat
The species occurs in the Western Pacific from Indonesia (Java and Sulawesi) to Vanuatu, and at Palau in Micronesia. FishBase records it as reef-associated at depths of 0 to 50 m, usually 0-15 m, in tropical water. It hovers close to coral or rubble on shallow coastal areas and deep outer-reef drop-offs, occurring solitary or in small, loosely scattered groups.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Carbonate hardness equivalent: 8-12 °dH
- Lifespan: 5-10 years
Diet
It is a carnivore. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods offered twice daily.
Compatibility
The royal dottyback is territorial and will defend its territory against fish several times its size, yet it coexists with many common aquarium fish. Reported suitable tankmates include clownfish, tangs, cardinalfish and wrasses. Avoid keeping it with other small dottybacks in confined tanks and with predators such as lionfish.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed 10 March 2015.