Royal Dottyback

Royal Dottyback

The Blue Eye Royal Dottyback recently generated excitement among hobbyists as a newly described species of Pseudochromis. At first glance, it is almost indistinguishable from the commonly available Royal Dottyback (Pictichromis paccagnellae). However, upon closer examination, the astute hobbyist will discover distinguishing features unique to the Blue Eye Royal Dottyback. Beginning with the namesake feature, the eye of this newly described species is a beautiful blue compared to the purplish eye of the familiar Royal Dottyback. However, the more identifiable physical feature is the distinct, lyre-shaped tail of the Blue Eye Royal Dottyback. Both the top and bottom margins of the caudal fin extend to form a classic lyre-shaped tail. Though less obvious than the signature lyretail, the color margin between the magnificent maroon anterior and brilliant yellow posterior of the Blue Eye Royal Dottyback features a transitional band of color.

The Blue Eye Royal Dottyback should be housed in an established marine aquarium 30 gallons or larger in size. The ideal setup should be aquascaped well with live rock to provide an ample selection of crevices and caves the Blue Eye Royal Dottyback can claim and defend. This hardy fish may demonstrate aggressive territorial behavior towards conspecifics and is best housed singly with the exception in the largest of home aquariums. In general, the spirited Blue Eye Royal Dottyback has an energetic personality and will not be easily intimidated by other fish even two to three times its size. Similar to the Royal Dottyback, it may also eat ornamental shrimp and is a predator of nuisance bristleworms.

The diet of the Blue Eye Royal Dottyback should consist of meaty foods including brine shrimp and prepared frozen foods. To maintain ideal coloration, offer foods such as krill that contain carotenoids or prepared color-enhancing foods.