Bicolor Dottyback

Also known as the Bicolor Pseudochromis or Royal Dottyback

The Bicolor Dottyback is a striking and popular marine fish featuring a dramatic two-toned color pattern with vibrant purple-magenta front half and bright yellow-orange rear half. Native to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, this hardy species has been successfully bred in captivity for years, making captive-bred specimens readily available. While they share the characteristic dottyback temperament—bold, territorial, and sometimes aggressive—their manageable size, spectacular bicolor pattern, and extreme hardiness make them favorites among reef aquarists. Captive-bred specimens are particularly hardy, readily accept all foods, and display consistent, vibrant coloration.

Key Features

Scientific Name: Pictichromis paccagnellae

Common Names: Bicolor Dottyback, Bicolor Pseudochromis, Royal Dottyback, False Gramma
Adult Size: 2.5–3 inches (6–8 cm)
Lifespan: 5–8+ years with proper care
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive; territorial and bold
Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe – will not harm corals or most invertebrates
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (larger tanks reduce aggression)
Experience Level: Beginner to Intermediate – extremely hardy but can be aggressive

Habitat & Tank Requirements

Tank Environment:

• Live rock with multiple caves and hiding spots for territory
• Moderate water flow with calm refuges
• Standard reef or FOWLR aquarium lighting
• Established aquarium preferred (2+ months)
• Multiple territories reduce aggression in community settings

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• Salinity: 1.023–1.025 specific gravity
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

Diet & Feeding

Recommended Foods:

• Frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, cyclops (primary diet)
• High-quality carnivore pellets and flakes
• Finely chopped krill, seafood
• Enriched preparations

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily
• Small portions consumed in 2–3 minutes
• Aggressive eaters; ensure smaller fish get adequate food
• Captive-bred specimens accept all foods immediately

Behavior & Compatibility

Temperament:

• Bold, confident, and highly territorial
• Can be aggressive toward smaller, peaceful fish
• May harass similarly shaped or colored fish (especially basslets)
• Often confused with Royal Gramma but significantly more aggressive
• Personality mellows somewhat in larger tanks (75+ gallons)
• Establishes and defends territory vigorously

Tank Mates:

• Compatible with: Larger tangs, clownfish, larger wrasses, angelfish, anthias, chromis, damselfish, larger gobies
• Caution with: Royal Grammas (often attacked due to similar coloring), small gobies, dartfish, firefish, blennies, other dottybacks, basslets
• Avoid: Small peaceful fish, other dottybacks, multiple dottybacks in tanks under 100 gallons, fish with similar color patterns

Reef Compatibility:

• Completely reef-safe with all corals
• May eat very small ornamental shrimp and tiny crustaceans
• Safe with larger shrimp (Cleaner Shrimp, Peppermint Shrimp)
• Will not disturb snails, hermit crabs, or other cleanup crew

Acclimation & Health

Initial Acclimation:

• Drip acclimation over 45–60 minutes
• Dim lights during introduction
• Add as one of the last fish to reduce territorial aggression
• May hide initially but becomes bold within hours

Health Considerations:

• Extremely hardy and disease-resistant, especially captive-bred specimens
• One of the hardiest marine fish available
• Resistant to most common diseases including ich
• Quarantine 2–3 weeks recommended but less critical than sensitive species
• Watch for aggression toward tankmates (main concern)

Signs of Health:

• Vibrant purple front and yellow rear with sharp color division
• Active, confident, aggressive swimming
• Immediate, enthusiastic feeding response
• Clear, bright eyes and intact fins
• Bold behavior, not shy

Color & Special Features

Coloration:

• Front Half: Vibrant purple-magenta from head to mid-body
• Rear Half: Bright yellow-orange from mid-body through tail
• Transition: Sharp, distinct color division at mid-body
• Fins: Purple dorsal and pelvic; yellow anal and caudal
• Resembles Royal Gramma but coloration even more intense

Color Comparison:

• Often mistaken for Royal Gramma (Gramma loreto)
• Bicolor Dottyback: Sharper color transition, more vibrant colors, more aggressive
• Royal Gramma: Softer gradient, black cap absent, significantly more peaceful

Captive-Bred Advantages:

• Superior hardiness and disease resistance
• Already adapted to aquarium foods and conditions
• More consistent, vibrant coloration
• No impact on wild reef populations
• Better survival rates and easier acclimation
• Less stressed during shipping and handling

Special Considerations

Aggression Management:

• Critical: Add dottyback last or near-last to established community
• Provide multiple caves to reduce territorial disputes
• Larger tanks (50+ gallons) significantly reduce aggression
• Will likely bully smaller, passive fish
• Generally respects larger, more assertive tankmates
• Do not house with Royal Grammas (frequent targets)
• Avoid multiple dottybacks unless tank is 100+ gallons with extensive rockwork

Compatibility Note: Bicolor Dottybacks are often sold as “False Grammas” or alternatives to Royal Grammas. While they share similar coloration, their temperaments are completely different. Royal Grammas are peaceful and shy; Bicolor Dottybacks are aggressive and bold. Do not expect similar behavior.

Tank Introduction Strategy:

• Rearrange rockwork before adding dottyback to reset territories
• Add dottyback after peaceful community established
• Monitor closely for first 48 hours for excessive aggression
• Remove immediately if harassing tankmates to point of injury

Why Choose Captive-Bred Bicolor Dottybacks?

Captive-bred Bicolor Dottybacks offer exceptional hardiness, consistent brilliant coloration, immediate acceptance of all prepared foods, and zero impact on wild reef populations. They’re among the hardiest marine fish available, making them ideal for beginners seeking vibrant color. Their bold personality and striking bicolor pattern make them excellent centerpiece fish for appropriate community aquariums. While their aggression requires careful tankmate selection and strategic introduction, their extreme hardiness, vivid colors, and confident personality make them rewarding additions when properly housed with compatible species in adequately sized systems.