Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellorum) Care Guide
A beautiful bicolored dottyback with the front half in vivid magenta-purple and the rear half in bright yellow, creating a striking visual divide.
Overview
Pictichromis paccagnellorum is a species in the family Pseudochromidae. A beautiful bicolored dottyback with the front half in vivid magenta-purple and the rear half in bright yellow, creating a striking visual divide. Often confused with the Royal Gramma but distinguished by the sharp color boundary rather than a gradient. Somewhat territorial but manageable in a reef tank with adequate hiding spots.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pseudochromidae
- Genus: Pictichromis
- Scientific name: Pictichromis paccagnellorum
- Other names: Bicolor Dottyback, Paccagnella's Dottyback
- Origin: Western Pacific
Habitat
Native to the western Pacific around Indonesia and the Philippines. Inhabits caves and overhangs of coral reefs at depths of 10-30 m. Distinctive bicoloured pattern of magenta anterior and yellow posterior. Captive-bred lines are now common and recommended over wild stock.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Lifespan: 5-7 years
- Difficulty: beginner
Diet
Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Swimming level: middle
- Compatible tank mates: Clownfish, Firefish Goby, Blue Chromis, Tangs
- Avoid with: Royal Gramma, Other Dottybacks, Very Small Fish
Reef compatibility
Generally classified as reef-safe: does not feed on stony or soft corals, tridacnid clams or ornamental shrimps under normal conditions.
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
- Breeding difficulty: intermediate