Debora's Pygmy Angelfish
Centropyge deborae
A highly sought-after dwarf angelfish showcasing a deep velvet blue-black coloration, native to the deep waters of Palau, and recommended exclusively for expert aquarists.
Température de l’eau
22 - 26 °C
Valeur du pH
8.1 - 8.4
Type d'eau
Marin
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
8 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 150 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to the Palau archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits very steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs at significant depths, generally ranging from 50 to 90 meters, in areas characterized by strong currents and numerous rocky crevices.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the Pomacanthidae family and the genus Centropyge. It features an oval, laterally compressed body typical of dwarf angelfish, reaching a maximum length of about 6-7 cm. Its skeletal structure includes a prominent spine on the lower margin of the preoperculum.
Social Behavior: A shy and territorial species that lives solitarily or in small haremic groups consisting of one dominant male and a few females. In captivity, it spends a significant amount of time retreating among live rocks, emerging primarily to feed or patrol its immediate territory.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Displays a stunning deep blue-black velvet coloration, with subtle electric blue highlights along the margins of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Sexual dimorphism is minimal; males are slightly larger than females and show more territorial behavior.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Requires a mature aquarium of at least 150-200 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create caves, crevices, and shaded areas to mimic its deep-water habitat. Providing ample open swimming space and an efficient filtration system to keep the water pristine is highly important.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous with a strong preference for marine algae, sponges, and small benthic invertebrates. In captivity, feed specialized angelfish preparations containing spirulina and sponge materials, supplemented with high-quality mysis, brine shrimp, and frozen foods.
Water Quality: It is essential to maintain stable, pristine water parameters. Temperature should be kept between 22 and 25 °C (preferring cooler water due to deep-water origin), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.021-1.025, and minimal nitrates. An efficient protein skimmer is highly recommended.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Can cohabit with peaceful reef fish of medium size. Like many dwarf angelfish, it may nip at stony coral polyps (SPS and LPS) and clam mantles (Tridacna), making its placement in reef aquariums a calculated risk that requires close observation.
Aquarium Breeding: Extremely difficult and not successfully documented in home aquariums. They are protogynous hermaphrodites, where all individuals are born female and the largest fish in the group transitions into a male. Spawning occurs in the water column at dusk.
Risks and Diseases: As a deep-water species, proper acclimation and decompression are critical. Highly susceptible to parasitic infections such as Oodinium and Ich. Requires a calm environment during introduction to prevent extreme stress, which can compromise its immune system.
Origine et répartition géographiques
This species is endemic to the Palau archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean. It inhabits very steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs at significant depths, generally ranging from 50 to 90 meters, in areas characterized by strong currents and numerous rocky crevices.
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifs
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- This dwarf angelfish is generally peaceful but exhibits a semi-aggressive and territorial nature, particularly toward other members of its genus or species of similar shape and color. It is a very reclusive and shy species that spends its initial weeks hiding until it acclimates to the aquarium. Once established, it will actively patrol its territory and may chase off intruders that venture too close to its preferred caves. To minimize territorial aggression, it should be introduced to the tank after more peaceful tankmates are already established.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- The Blue Velvet Angelfish is an omnivore that requires a varied diet consisting of both meaty foods and vegetable matter. In the wild, they graze on detritus, microalgae, and tiny benthic organisms found on reef rocks. In captivity, they should be offered high-quality marine pellets, flakes, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and spirulina-enriched foods. Providing live rock with a healthy growth of microalgae is highly beneficial, as it allows them to satisfy their natural grazing instincts throughout the day.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 8 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- In their natural habitat, these dwarf angelfish form haremic groups consisting of one dominant male and several females. In a home aquarium, they are best kept singly unless the tank is exceptionally large, in which case a harem of one male with two or three females can be established. It is important to introduce all individuals simultaneously to minimize territorial disputes. If a male is absent, the dominant female in the group will transition sex to become the new male.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- 2-3 times daily
- It is recommended to feed the Blue Velvet Angelfish small portions two to three times daily. Frequent feeding helps replicate their natural grazing behavior and keeps them active and healthy. Additionally, keeping them well-fed significantly reduces the likelihood that they will nip at corals or clam mantles in a reef setting. If the tank has a substantial amount of mature live rock with abundant algae, the feeding frequency can be adjusted slightly, but regular supplementations are still essential.
- Charge biologique
- Low to Medium
- The Blue Velvet Angelfish is a relatively small species, resulting in a low-medium biological load on the aquarium. However, because it requires frequent feedings and constant grazing on live rock, a robust filtration system is necessary to manage waste. Regular water changes and a high-quality protein skimmer are recommended to maintain pristine water conditions. Ensuring low nitrate and phosphate levels will also promote the growth of natural microalgae, which supports their grazing behavior.
- Courant
- Strong
- Inhabiting outer reef slopes and deep drop-offs in Fiji, the Blue Velvet Angelfish prefers moderate to strong water flow. Good water movement oxygenates the aquarium and mimics the active currents of their natural marine habitat. However, it is vital to ensure there are plenty of low-flow zones, caves, and crevices where the fish can rest and hide from the direct current. A well-designed aquascape with diverse flow patterns will provide the perfect balance for this species.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- While not classified as notorious jumpers, the Blue Velvet Angelfish does pose a moderate jump risk, particularly when startled or during evening spawning behavior. A secure, tight-fitting lid or a fine mesh cover is highly recommended to prevent accidental escapes. This risk increases during the acclimation phase when the fish is adjusting to its new environment and lighting. Providing plenty of hiding places helps reduce their anxiety, making them less prone to launching themselves out of the water.
- Reproduction
- Protogynous hermaphrodite
- Breeding the Blue Velvet Angelfish in a home aquarium is extremely difficult and rarely achieved by hobbyists. They are broadcast spawners that release pelagic eggs into the water column at dusk, which float with the currents. Raising the microscopic larvae requires specialized live foods, such as specific strains of copepods, and highly controlled water conditions. Success is usually limited to advanced aquaculture facilities with specialized breeding setups designed for dwarf angelfish.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- With caution
- The Blue Velvet Angelfish is compatible with a wide range of peaceful to semi-aggressive reef fish such as clownfish, wrasses, gobies, and larger damselfish. However, they should not be housed with other dwarf angelfish unless the aquarium is large enough to support distinct territories. Caution is advised when keeping them with corals and sessile invertebrates, as they may nip at LPS corals, zoanthids, and clam mantles. Avoid housing them with large, predatory species that might view this small angelfish as prey.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- The Blue Velvet Angelfish is a secretive and shy species that primarily occupies the bottom and middle zones of the aquarium. They spend much of their time darting in and out of rock crevices, caves, and rubble piles where they feel secure. While they may occasionally venture into upper levels to feed or during courtship at dusk, they rarely stay there for long. Providing ample structural cover in the lower half of the tank is crucial to encourage their natural behavior.
Modèles et paramètres scientifiques
FishBase
Fenêtre sur les données scientifiques officielles de l’espèce
FishBase v25.04Données synchronisées le : 15/06/2026
- Niveau trophique
- 2,8 ± 0,3 se
- Résilience
- Élevée (moins de 15 mois)
- Singularité phylogénétique (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relation bayésienne longueur-poids
- a = 0.0302, b = 2.89
- VulnérabilitéVulnérabilité faible (10 / 100)
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