What is a bicolor dottyback?

The bicolor dottyback or Pseudochromis paccagnellae belongs to the family Pseudochromidae . This species inhabits coral reefs around the Malay Peninsula including Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia. These mid-water water dwellers can be found as close to five meters from the surface and swim to a depth of approximately thirty meters.

What do bicolor dottybacks eat?

The Bicolor Dottyback will not be intimidated by other fish and will defend its territory against fish two to three times its size. It will also eat ornamental shrimp and is a predator of nuisance bristleworms.

Are dottybacks hermaphroditic?

Bicolor dottybacks are hermaphroditic. These fish will adapt to their environment developing either male or female genitalia. Adding two like species in a tank together will result in a male-female pair. After spawning the male regularly picks up the eggs with his mouth to keep them aerated until they hatch.

What is the lifespan of a dottyback fish?

Dottybacks have and expected lifespan of five to seven years but have been recorded to live as long as ten years in captivity. These fish are voracious carnivores.

Click here for more information The Bicolor Dottyback, also called the Bicolor Pseudochromis or Royal Dottyback, is two bold colors; the anterior portion is purple and the posterior portion is bright yellow. A 30 gallon or larger aquarium should be provided.

Do bicolor dottyback eat other shrimp?

In an environment without intimidating fish to keep the Bicolor Dottyback in check, they can sometimes become hyperdominant and terrorize other fish and maintenance shrimp (they have also been known to eat very small ornamental shrimp such as anemone shrimp).

What is the best dottyback fish to buy?

As one of the hardiest and undemanding reef fish available, the Bicolor Dottyback is an excellent choice for beginners as well as the more experienced hobbyists.