Debelius Angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Southwestern Indian Ocean, known only from Mauritius and Réunion. Inhabits deep reef slopes at depths exceeding 50 to 90 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Pomacanthidae family, genus Centropyge. Grows up to 9 cm (3.5 inches). Small, compressed body of deep metallic blue color, with an orange or yellowish head.

Social Behavior: Reclusive and shy species that spends its time among deep vertical wall crevices. Avoids bright lighting and swims close to the bottom.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Velvety dark blue body with bright orange-yellow shading on the head and chest. Fins are trimmed in electric blue. No chromatic sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 300 liters with plenty of live rock, cracks, and dark caves to mimic its deep-water habitat. Dim aquarium lighting is advised.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feeds on benthic microalgae and small crustaceans. Feed with live or frozen copepods, mysis, brine shrimp, and finely chopped seaweed.

Water Quality: Cooler temperature of 22°C - 24°C, stable pH 8.1 - 8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. A water chiller is highly recommended.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful with most tankmates but territorial toward other dwarf angelfish. May nip at corals if stressed or underfed.

Aquarium Reproduction: Not documented in captivity due to its extreme rarity and deep-water origins. Pelagic spawners in the wild.

Risks and Diseases: Highly sensitive to bright light stress and temperatures constantly above 25°C. A highly sought-after, expensive collector's species.