Bicolor Dottyback - Pictichromis paccagnellae

The Bicolor Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae) is also known as the Royal Dottyback. It is colored half magenta and half yellow with a solid change between the two colors (as opposed to the similar Royal Gramma, Gramma loreto, that gradually changes from one color to the other). These fish were formerly known as Pseudochromis paccagnellae and may still be referred to by this name in some references.

Dottybacks are popular and hardy aquarium fish that range greatly in size, temperament and coloration. Most come from the genus Pseudochromis (and the term Dottyback is often used interchangeably with Pseudochromis) but several other smaller genuses can also be found, including the new genus Pictichromis which contains the very common and popular Strawberry Dottyback (P. porphyrea), Diadema Dottyback (P. diadema) and the Bicolor Dottyback (P. paccagnallae).

Most species will normally accept frozen foods like brine shrimp and krill soon after acclimating to the home aquarium. Larger species may accept larger meaty items like pieces of scallop, shrimp, clams and similar items while smaller species should be given brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and other smaller foods. Flake food or pellet food can be added once the fish has become established in the aquarium to supplement their diet and add more variety.

Dottybacks are territorial fish, and should only be kept one to a tank. They will get along with all other types of fish as long as their home "territory" is not disturbed by other fish although some species can become very large and aggressive. They also need plenty of hiding places to feel comfortable. They are ideal for reef aquariums, although they may try to eat small ornamental shrimp like Sexy Shrimp (Thor sp.) and Anemone Shrimp (Periclimenes sp.). Some dottybacks, especially several from the Pseudochromis genus, are well known and sought after for their habit of eating nuisance Bristleworms.