Royal Dottyback

Pictichromis paccagnellae

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Max Size

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Max Weight

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Max Depth

50 m

Pictichromis paccagnella is a fish commonly kept in marine aquariums. In an aquarium, it will grow up to three inches long. The dottyback will defend its territory against fish several times its size, but gets along with many other common aquarium fish. This is sometimes mistaken for a royal gramma.

Other names: Bicolor Dottyback or False Gramma.

Description

The front of the fish is bright purple and the posterior is yellow. It can grow up to 6 cm in length. 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.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Indonesia (Java and Sulawesi) to Vanuatu; Palau in Micronesia.

Habitat

Found in shallow coastal to deep outer-reef drop-offs. Hovers close to coral or rubble. Solitary or in small loosely scattered groups.

Colors

yellow

purple

Habitat and Environment

Benthic

Coral reef

Conservation status

(LC) Least concern

Poisonous

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Social Behaviour

Solitary

Danger to human

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Venomous

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Similar Species

Blackstripe Dottyback Diadem Dottyback Firetail Dottyback Inornate Dottyback Splendid Dottyback

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Royal Dottyback dangerous?

Royal Dottyback is classified as: No, No, No. Always exercise caution and keep a safe distance.

Where can you find Royal Dottyback?

Pacific West Malaysia East Sulawesi Island Vanuatu Wakatobi +14 more in Seabook

How deep does Royal Dottyback live?

Royal Dottyback can be found at depths of up to 50 meters.