Bicolor Dottyback

(Pictichromis paccagnellae)

Pictichromis Dottybacks are small, hardy, easy to feed and are known for their bright colors. They should be added to well established aquariums with plenty of room to swim. Plenty of rock work with cracks, caves and crevices should be provided for hiding. Pictichromis Dottyback may pick at and consume benthic invertebrates. A diet of meaty based foods a should be provided multiple times daily. Although Pictichromis are known to be territorial and aggressive towards other fish they are also quite shy. Pictichromis should be housed with larger fish that are not easily harrassed. Although considered an easy fish to take care of if not well manintained they may loose their coloration.

The Bicolor Dottyback is very similar to the Blue Eyed Royal Dottyback (P. dinar). However may be distinguished by no blending of the two body colors, a straight vertical line between the two colors. Somewhat commonly seen in the aquarium trade. The Bicolor Dottybacks have a bright sunny yellow back half of its body and a purple to fuschia front half of its body, and a blue ring around its eyes. They can grow to 3".

We recommend a minimum aquarium size of 20 gallons or larger for this species.

Water conditions: Salinity 1.020 - 1.025, Temp (F) 72 - 78, pH 8.1 - 8.4, Alkalinity 8 - 12 dKH

  • Care: CareEasyEasy
  • Behavior: BehaviorAgressiveAgressive BehaviorSocialSocial
  • Diet: DietFlake FoodFlake Food DietLive FoodLive Food DietFrozen FoodFrozen Food
  • Habitat: HabitatReefReef
  • Light: LightMediumMedium