Hotumatua Angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Subtropical southeastern Pacific, endemic to Easter Island, the Pitcairn Islands, and the Austral Islands. Found at depths of 14 to 50 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Pomacanthidae family, genus Centropyge. Grows up to 8 cm (3.1 inches). Brownish-orange body with a characteristic black spot surrounding the gill cover.

Social Behavior: Shy and elusive fish that lives among volcanic rock labyrinths. Vigorously defends its territory against other dwarf angelfish.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Grayish-brown body with orange hues on the head and belly. A distinct black patch surrounds the eye and operculum. Tail is yellow. No obvious sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 250 liters with abundant rockwork. It is preferable to maintain slightly cooler temperatures than the typical tropical setup.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Requires spirulina, finely chopped nori, veggie pellets, and small frozen crustaceans such as copepods, brine shrimp, and mysis.

Water Quality: Cooler temperature of 21°C - 24°C, stable pH 8.1 - 8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025, KH 8-12, GH 15-25. High water oxygenation is needed.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Semi-aggressive. Tends to nip at SPS or LPS corals if not fed enough vegetable food. Intolerant of conspecifics of similar size.

Aquarium Reproduction: Not reproduced in home aquariums. In the wild, they are pelagic spawners releasing eggs in pairs that rise toward the surface.

Risks and Diseases: Highly sensitive to high stable temperatures (above 26°C) which cause metabolic stress. A rare species that is difficult to import.