Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Royal Dottyback
Pictichromis paccagnellae
Also called Bicolor dottyback, Bicolor pseudochromis, False gramma, Gramma dotty
From Western Pacific, from Indonesia (Java and Sulawesi) east to Vanuatu, plus Palau in Micronesia1
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender, elongated dottyback
A neat two-tone fish: the front half is a rich purple and the back half a bright yellow, with a crisp dividing line between the two.23
Personality what they are like
Plucky and self-assured. It defends its corner of the reef with real spirit, even against much larger fish, yet gets along with many common aquarium species.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Hovers near coral or rubble and darts in and out of the rockwork around its territory.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Give it rockwork with caves and crevices to claim. It will hunt bristleworms but may also go after small ornamental shrimp, so pick tankmates with that in mind.3
Home where they are happiest
Minimum about 30 US gallons (114 L) with plenty of rock hiding places. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Carnivore. Offer meaty foods such as brine shrimp, mysis and prepared frozen foods.3
Company who they like around
Best kept as the only dottyback in the tank, with tankmates that can hold their own.32
The story where it all began
Herbert R. Axelrod described the species in 1973 and named it after the Paccagnella family of Bologna, aquarium fish wholesalers who supplied the type specimen. It has been a popular marine aquarium fish ever since.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
It is often mistaken for the Caribbean royal gramma, which has a similar purple-and-yellow look but belongs to a different family.2
- 2
It lives from shallow coastal water down to outer-reef drop-offs as deep as about 50 metres.1
- 3
Its scientific name honours an Italian family of aquarium fish wholesalers from Bologna.2
- 4
Despite reaching only about 7 cm, it will stand up to fish several times its size.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2015)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Royal Dottyback. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Royal Dottyback?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to feed daily. Adjust portions based on your fish's appetite and the food label, and ask your vet if unsure.3 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Royal Dottyback eat, and what should it never eat?
It is a carnivore and enjoys meaty foods like brine shrimp, mysis, and prepared frozen foods. Avoid feeding it anything that is not meaty or appropriate for marine fish, and never give it foods meant for freshwater fish or humans.3
How much space does a Royal Dottyback need?
A minimum of about 30 US gallons (114 L) is recommended. Provide plenty of rockwork with caves and crevices for it to claim as its territory.3
What temperature, light or water does a Royal Dottyback need?
Keep the water temperature between 22 to 26 °C (72 to 78 °F), pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Standard marine lighting is fine, and Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and salinity weekly.3 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Royal Dottyback's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan includes a weekly glass clean and water test, and a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water, not salt water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Royal Dottyback live with others?
It is best kept as the only dottyback in the tank, with tankmates that can hold their own. It may go after small ornamental shrimp, so choose companions carefully.32
How long does a Royal Dottyback live?
Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, ask a good breeder or an exotic-pet vet.
Can I handle a Royal Dottyback?
Handling is not recommended as it can stress the fish and damage its delicate slime coat. Enjoy watching it hover and dart among the rocks instead.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Pictichromis paccagnellae summary fishbase.seused for origin, size, habitat, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Pictichromis paccagnellae en.wikipedia.orgused for history, naming, other names, colour, temperament
- LiveAquaria: Bicolor Dottyback liveaquaria.comused for care, water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, colour
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.