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Gold-Head Dottyback (Pictichromis aurifrons)

Find Gold-Head Dottyback across reef-livestock retailers on ReefDock. Compare sources, check known pricing where available, and review care information before you buy.

Gold-Head Dottyback
Photo: (c) Andrey Ryanskiy, all rights reserved, uploaded by Andrey Ryanskiy
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Where to buy Gold-Head Dottyback

ReefDock searches the following reef retailers for this fish. Click through to see the live price.

  • Saltwaterfish

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  • Amazon

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  • Petco

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About Gold-Head Dottyback

Pictichromis aurifrons is a small, elongated fish with a vibrant purple or magenta body and a distinctive gold or orange head. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated, and the species exhibits a sleek, streamlined body shape typical of dottyback-type plesiopids.

Key facts

Reef safety
Reef Safe with Caution
Origin
Indo-Pacific region, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and western Pacific.
Feeding Schedule
2-3 times daily
Diet
carnivore
Min tank size
70 gallons
Common Health Issues
Marine Ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disease, Bacterial Infections, Parasitic Infestations
Care Requirements
• Minimum 75-gallon tank, preferably larger for multiple individuals • Maintain 72-78°F, pH 8.1-8.4, stable calcium & alkalinity • Requires plenty of rockwork and hiding places to reduce aggression • Feed varied diet: mysis shrimp, copepods, high-quality pellets • Can be territorial and aggressive toward conspecifics and similar-sized fish
Max Size
3.5
Appearance
Pictichromis aurifrons is a small, elongated fish with a vibrant purple or magenta body and a distinctive gold or orange head. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated, and the species exhibits a sleek, streamlined body shape typical of dottyback-type plesiopids.
Diet Details
Feed high-quality frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, frozen copepods, and finely chopped seafood. May also accept small live foods. Feed 2–3 times daily in portions the fish can consume in 1–2 minutes.
Water Parameters
Temperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
Difficulty Level
Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Research before you buy

ReefDock is the sister app to Reef Trak. Use Reef Trak to research and log fish, keep tank parameters organized, and maintain a complete livestock history. Log this fish on Reef Trak.

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