Royal Dottyback

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The Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae) is a vibrant and hardy marine fish highly sought after for its striking coloration and bold personality. This species is a favourite for small marine aquariums due to its manageable size and brilliant appearance.

Appearance:

• Coloration: The Royal Dottyback features a striking two-tone coloration. The front half of the body, including the head, is a vivid purple or violet, while the rear half, including the tail, is a bright yellow. The sharp contrast between these colours makes it one of the most visually appealing reef fish.
• Size: A small fish, typically reaching about 3 inches (7–8 cm) in length when fully grown.
• Shape: It has an elongated and slightly compressed body, characteristic of dottybacks.

Habitat:

• Natural Range: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in coral reefs around the Philippines, Indonesia, and the western Pacific.
• Preferred Environment: Typically inhabits reef crevices, caves, and overhangs, where it can dart for cover when threatened.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: Requires a minimum of 20–30 gallons for a single specimen. Larger tanks are recommended if multiple fish are kept or mixed with other species.
• Diet: Carnivorous and thrives on a protein-rich diet. Provide a varied diet of:
  • High-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and krill
  • Marine pellets and flake foods formulated for carnivores
  • Occasional live foods like copepods for enrichment
• Substrate: Incorporate live rock and ample hiding spots such as caves and crevices to mimic its natural habitat.
• Compatibility:
  • It can be territorial and aggressive, especially in smaller tanks or toward smaller, shy fish.
  • Best kept with more extensive, semi-aggressive tankmates like tangs, wrasses, and angelfish.
  • Avoid housing with small, timid fish or other dotty backs to prevent bullying.
• Reef-Safe: The Royal Dottyback is reef-safe and does not harm corals or invertebrates. However, it may prey on tiny ornamental shrimp or crabs.

Behavior:

• Activity Level: Active and inquisitive, often seen darting in and out of rockwork or patrolling its territory.
• Social Behavior: Known for its bold and territorial nature. It may defend its territory aggressively, particularly in smaller tanks or when housed with similar species.
• Hiding Tendencies: It enjoys hiding in crevices but will become more visible and confident once it acclimates to its environment.

Special Notes:

• Temperament: While visually stunning, its aggressive tendencies mean careful consideration should be taken when introducing tankmates.
• Tank Placement: Provide plenty of live rock and caves to reduce stress and aggression and allow the fish to establish its territory.
• Maintenance: Very hardy and well-suited for beginner to intermediate aquarists, provided its tankmates and environment is appropriate.

The Royal Dottyback is ideal for marine aquarists looking to add a splash of vibrant colour and personality to their tanks. While its territorial nature requires thoughtful planning, its hardiness, small size, and stunning two-tone coloration make it a rewarding addition to a well-managed reef or fish-only system.