Gravel & Substrate Cleaner
Royal Dottyback
The Royal Dottyback is a striking and hardy marine fish known for its vibrant purple front half and bright yellow tail, creating a bold contrast that stands out in any reef tank. Growing up to 6 cm (around 3 inches), this small but confident species is full of personality.
Despite its size, the Royal Dottyback is territorial and feisty, often defending its space against much larger fish. However, it coexists well with many common marine species when given adequate rockwork and hiding spots.
Often confused with the Royal Gramma, this fish is actually a different species—commonly nicknamed the Bicolor Dottyback, Gramma Dotty, or False Gramma.
A colourful, active addition to most marine aquariums, best suited for semi-aggressive to community reef setups.
Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellorum) – Vibrant Colour, Big Personality
The Royal Dottyback is one of the most eye-catching small marine fish available to hobbyists, instantly recognisable by its bold, two-tone coloration. With a rich, electric purple head and upper body that transitions sharply into a bright, sunshine-yellow tail, this species adds an unmistakable pop of colour to any saltwater aquarium. Growing to around 6 cm, it stays compact while still offering an impressive visual impact, making it an excellent choice for both nano reefs and larger community tanks.
This species is a favourite among aquarists not only because of its coloration, but because of its hardy nature and confident behaviour. The Royal Dottyback is known for having a strong personality—sometimes even a little attitude—and will readily defend its territory, often displaying bravery well beyond its size. While many fish shy away from larger tankmates, the Royal Dottyback stands its ground, which is part of what makes it such a charismatic addition to the home aquarium.
Why the Royal Dottyback Is a Popular Choice
✨ Bold, Contrasting Colours
The striking purple-and-yellow body makes this fish immediately stand out. Whether you’re building a high-contrast, colourful marine setup or filling in spaces with bright fish, the Royal Dottyback is a perfect candidate.
✨ Small Size, Big Confidence
Reaching only about 6 cm, this fish fits comfortably in a variety of tank sizes. Its bold personality brings activity and character to the reef without overwhelming the system.
✨ Hardy and Adaptable
Royal Dottybacks are resilient fish that adapt well to life in captivity. They accept most marine foods, tolerate a range of reef-safe water parameters, and thrive when provided with a stable environment.
✨ Excellent for Rockwork-Rich Aquariums
Because they prefer caves, crevices, and hiding spots, they do particularly well in aquariums with good aquascaping structure. The more hiding spots available, the more secure and confident the fish becomes.
Behaviour and Compatibility
The Royal Dottyback is known for being territorial, especially around its chosen hiding spot or cave. Despite its small size, it will boldly defend its personal space—even from fish several times larger. Because of this, it’s best kept with tankmates that can hold their own or are not easily intimidated.
This fish generally gets along well with:
-
Peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates
-
Similar-sized reef fish
-
Active swimmers that do not compete for the same hiding spaces
It’s recommended to avoid housing it with very timid nano fish or other dottyback species, as it may show aggression. Introducing the Royal Dottyback last can also help reduce territorial disputes.
Care Requirements
The Royal Dottyback is easy to care for, making it a solid option for hobbyists of all experience levels. Ideal conditions include:
-
Tank size: 80L and up
-
Water parameters:
-
Temperature: 24–26°C
-
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
-
Diet: Frozen foods, pellets, flakes, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine preparations
-
Environment: Plenty of rockwork, caves, and territories
With proper care, these fish thrive for many years and remain active, bold, and beautifully coloured.
A Stunning, Hardy Addition to Any Marine Aquarium
The Royal Dottyback brings together striking beauty, manageable size, hardy care requirements, and a lively personality. Whether you’re stocking a colourful nano reef or adding a statement fish to a larger setup, this species is a reliable and rewarding choice.
Its vibrant purple-and-yellow coloration, combined with its confident behaviour, makes it one of the most memorable and visually appealing dottybacks available in the hobby.
Add the Royal Dottyback to your reef aquarium and enjoy a vivid splash of colour—and a little personality—to brighten your aquatic world.
Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellorum) – Vibrant Colour, Big Personality
The Royal Dottyback is one of the most eye-catching small marine fish available to hobbyists, instantly recognisable by its bold, two-tone coloration. With a rich, electric purple head and upper body that transitions sharply into a bright, sunshine-yellow tail, this species adds an unmistakable pop of colour to any saltwater aquarium. Growing to around 6 cm, it stays compact while still offering an impressive visual impact, making it an excellent choice for both nano reefs and larger community tanks.
This species is a favourite among aquarists not only because of its coloration, but because of its hardy nature and confident behaviour. The Royal Dottyback is known for having a strong personality—sometimes even a little attitude—and will readily defend its territory, often displaying bravery well beyond its size. While many fish shy away from larger tankmates, the Royal Dottyback stands its ground, which is part of what makes it such a charismatic addition to the home aquarium.
Why the Royal Dottyback Is a Popular Choice
✨ Bold, Contrasting Colours
The striking purple-and-yellow body makes this fish immediately stand out. Whether you’re building a high-contrast, colourful marine setup or filling in spaces with bright fish, the Royal Dottyback is a perfect candidate.
✨ Small Size, Big Confidence
Reaching only about 6 cm, this fish fits comfortably in a variety of tank sizes. Its bold personality brings activity and character to the reef without overwhelming the system.
✨ Hardy and Adaptable
Royal Dottybacks are resilient fish that adapt well to life in captivity. They accept most marine foods, tolerate a range of reef-safe water parameters, and thrive when provided with a stable environment.
✨ Excellent for Rockwork-Rich Aquariums
Because they prefer caves, crevices, and hiding spots, they do particularly well in aquariums with good aquascaping structure. The more hiding spots available, the more secure and confident the fish becomes.
Behaviour and Compatibility
The Royal Dottyback is known for being territorial, especially around its chosen hiding spot or cave. Despite its small size, it will boldly defend its personal space—even from fish several times larger. Because of this, it’s best kept with tankmates that can hold their own or are not easily intimidated.
This fish generally gets along well with:
-
Peaceful to semi-aggressive tankmates
-
Similar-sized reef fish
-
Active swimmers that do not compete for the same hiding spaces
It’s recommended to avoid housing it with very timid nano fish or other dottyback species, as it may show aggression. Introducing the Royal Dottyback last can also help reduce territorial disputes.
Care Requirements
The Royal Dottyback is easy to care for, making it a solid option for hobbyists of all experience levels. Ideal conditions include:
-
Tank size: 80L and up
-
Water parameters:
-
Temperature: 24–26°C
-
Salinity: 1.024–1.026
-
pH: 8.1–8.4
-
-
Diet: Frozen foods, pellets, flakes, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and marine preparations
-
Environment: Plenty of rockwork, caves, and territories
With proper care, these fish thrive for many years and remain active, bold, and beautifully coloured.
A Stunning, Hardy Addition to Any Marine Aquarium
The Royal Dottyback brings together striking beauty, manageable size, hardy care requirements, and a lively personality. Whether you’re stocking a colourful nano reef or adding a statement fish to a larger setup, this species is a reliable and rewarding choice.
Its vibrant purple-and-yellow coloration, combined with its confident behaviour, makes it one of the most memorable and visually appealing dottybacks available in the hobby.
Add the Royal Dottyback to your reef aquarium and enjoy a vivid splash of colour—and a little personality—to brighten your aquatic world.
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