Diadema Dottyback

About this fish

Diadema Dottyback (Pictichromis diadema) is a small reef fish for the home saltwater aquarium. It’s prized for its active behavior—darting in and out of live rock—and its presence in a reef-style display. In practice, it’s a great choice when you want a hardy, colorful fish that uses rockwork constantly, while still being compatible with many corals and a wide range of common invertebrates.

Features:

• Small and generally hardy for the saltwater aquarium
• Active swimmer that spends time darting in and out of rockwork
• Reef safe with corals and most invertebrates
• Can be territorial toward other fish of similar size and shape
• Provide caves/overhangs so it can claim a home territory
• Best introduced last to a peaceful community to reduce conflict
• Accepts a varied meaty diet, including frozen and prepared foods

Specifications:

• Scientific name: Pictichromis diadema
• Care level (general): Hardy
• Temperament (general): Can be territorial toward similar-looking/tankmate-sized fish
• Adult size (general): About 4 in (≈10 cm)
• Diet: Frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and quality pellets
• Feeding (general): Once or twice daily
• Placement in tank: Rockwork (caves and overhangs), settles into a quiet area after acclimation
• Compatible tank conditions (general reef range): Typical marine reef aquarium conditions; stable, well-maintained water