Common name: Russet angelfish

Scientific name: Centropyge potteri (Jordan & Metz, 1912)
Potter's Angelfish, centropyge potteriPotter's Angelfish on Coral Reef
Potter's Angelfish, Centropyge Potteri, a dwarf or pygmy saltwater angelfish from HawaiiPotter's Angelfish, Centropyge Potteri, a dwarf or pygmy saltwater angelfish from Hawaii

General information

Potter's Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge potteri, is a vibrant and colorful species popular among aquarists. This small angelfish is known for its deep blue to purple body with orange to red patterning. It is a member of the dwarf angelfish group and is prized for its beauty and relatively peaceful demeanor in the aquarium setting.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
75 liter (20 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
Social
Pair May form pairs or small groups
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at clam mantles, soft corals
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Angelfishes
    Pomacanthidae
  6. Genus
    Dwarf Angelfishes
    Centropyge Kaup, 1860
  7. Species
    Russet angelfish
    Centropyge potteri (Jordan & Metz, 1912)
  8. Synonyms
    Holacanthus potteri Jordan & Metz, 1912

Care

Potter's Angelfish requires a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are known to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clams, so they may not be suitable for a reef tank with sensitive invertebrates. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their color and health.

Reproduction

In the wild, Potter's Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed. Breeding in captivity is challenging, but with a well-maintained environment and a compatible pair, it is possible to observe spawning behavior.

Habitat

Potter's Angelfish is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll, where it inhabits rocky reefs and slopes. They are typically found at depths ranging from 10 to 150 feet, often in areas with abundant coral growth.