Pictilis Dottyback

The Pictilis Dottyback is a rare and beautifully marked species whose common name derives from the Latin word for 'painted,' a reference to its delicate and intricate color pattern. Its body displays a subtle yet appealing combination of soft pinks, lavenders, and cream tones accented with fine markings that give it a hand-painted appearance. This understated elegance distinguishes it from the more boldly colored dottybacks, appealing to aquarists who appreciate nuance and refinement in their fish selections.

In the wild, the Pictilis Dottyback is found in the Western Pacific, primarily around Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It inhabits reef rubble zones and rocky outcrops at moderate depths, maintaining small territories among crevices and overhangs. Like other Pseudochromis species, it is a secretive and territorial fish that spends much of its time weaving in and out of rockwork, darting out to capture small passing invertebrates before retreating to the safety of its chosen hiding spot.

In the home aquarium, the Pictilis Dottyback is hardy and adaptable once settled into its new environment. It requires a tank of at least 30 gallons with ample rockwork to provide the caves and crevices it needs to establish territory. While semi-aggressive, its territorial behavior can be managed by providing sufficient hiding spots and avoiding similarly sized or shaped tankmates. It is completely reef-safe and provides the added benefit of consuming small bristleworms and pest flatworms.