Potter's angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll. Found on rocky and coral reefs, particularly near finger coral fields below 10 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Pomacanthidae family. Oval-shaped, compressed body with a distinct preopercular spine. Grows up to 10 cm (4 inches).

Social Behavior: Bold and active. Constantly moves through rockwork tunnels. Shows territorial aggression towards other dwarf angelfishes.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body is brilliant orange marbled with fine vertical cobalt blue and purple stripes. The rear fins are dark blackish-blue. Males are larger.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 150 liters (40 gallons). Furnish with established live rocks to provide grazing algae and plenty of narrow caves.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feeds on algae and detritus. Offer daily nori, spirulina pellets, and frozen mysis or brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Sensitive to water parameters. Maintain temperature 24-26°C (75-78°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Known to nip at LPS and SPS corals, as well as clam mantles. Not fully recommended for pristine reef tanks. Keep singly.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unrecorded in domestic systems due to challenges in pelagic spawning and larval nutrition.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to marine ich and skin parasites. Pristine water quality and vitamin-enriched herbivorous foods are essential.