Bicolor Dottyback: The Feisty Royal Dwarf

The Bicolor Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae), often referred to by its former scientific name Pseudochromis paccagnellae , is one of the most vividly colored and popular marine fish in the aquarium hobby. It is also commonly mistaken for the Royal Dottyback or False Gramma, a nod to its striking resemblance to the much more peaceful Royal Gramma (Grammaloreto).

This small but bold fish is easily recognized by its distinct two-tone coloration: a vibrant magenta-purple covering the front half of the body, abruptly transitioning to a bright yellow rear half and tail. Native to the Indo-Pacific, it is an excellent and Hardy choice for aquarists of all experience levels, provided its feisty temperament is understood.

Reaching a maximum adult size of only 3 inches (7-8 cm), the Bicolor Dottyback is suitable for a minimum tank size of 30 gallons. It requires plenty of live rock to establish a territory, which it will defend with surprising vigor.

Diet & Compatibility:

• Diet: This fish is a dedicated Carnivore and a micro-predator. In the wild, it feeds on small planktonic organisms, copepods, and benthic invertebrates. In the aquarium, it will readily accept a varied diet of fine-chopped, meaty frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (vitamin-enriched), and finely chopped clam or squid. It is an opportunistic predator and is known to help control nuisance bristleworms.
• Reef Compatibility: It is generally considered Reef Safe With Caution. While it ignores corals and large snails, it may prey upon or harass small ornamental invertebrates, notably small cleaning shrimp (like sexy shrimp) and sometimes even larger ornamental shrimp like peppermint or cleaner shrimp.
• Temperament: It is a Semi-Aggressive / Territorial fish. Pound for pound, dottybacks have bold personalities. It should be kept singly unless the tank is very large (>100 gallons) and multiple fish are introduced simultaneously. They are highly territorial toward other dottybacks and fish with a similar body shape or color (such as the Royal Gramma). Choose tankmates that are active, robust, and not easily intimidated (e.g., larger tangs, clownfish, most angels, and hawkfish). It should be added to the aquarium after all more peaceful or shy fish.
• Cover: Dottybacks are known jumpers. A tight-fitting lid is mandatory.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Pseudochromis paccagnellae
• Primary Common Name: Bicolor Dottyback
• Other Common Names: Bicolor Pseudochromis
• Origin: Indo-Pacific
• Max Size: 3 inches (7-8 cm)
• Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
• Diet: Carnivore (Meaty frozen foods)
• Minimum Tank Size: 30+ Gallons
• Reef Compatibility: With Caution (May eat ornamental shrimp)