Rust orange bled through with blue-black vertical scribbles, as though two colours were dragged together while still wet. A Hawaiian endemic, and a fish that punishes an immature tank.
Temperament
Common health issues
- Ich (white spot)
- Parasites
- Nutritional deficiency
- Fin rot
Care at a glance
- ExerciseHigh
A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
- GroomingAttentive tank care
Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
- Living spaceNano-tank friendly
Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
- Owner experienceFor experienced owners
Rewards owners who know the ropes.
- Commitment6โ12 years
Plan for a long, loving relationship.
Health to watch: Ich (white spot) ยท Parasites ยท Nutritional deficiency
๐ Care guide
Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri) is endemic to Hawaii and Johnston Atoll and reaches about 9 to 10 cm. Its orange body is overlaid with irregular dark blue vertical lines that grow denser toward the rear, a pattern unique among dwarf angels. Because it is collected from a limited range, wild specimens carry the stress of a long shipping route. It needs a mature reef of 150 litres or more with abundant live rock for constant grazing, at stable 23-26C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. Honesty about difficulty matters here: this is one of the more delicate Centropyge species, it does poorly in new tanks, and it can be slow to accept prepared food. Offer algae-based preparations, sponge-containing angel formulas, mysis and enriched brine several times a day, and buy only a fish observed feeding. It is shy with aggressive tankmates and, like other dwarf angels, may sample LPS corals and clams.
Frequently asked questions
How active is a Potter's Angelfish?
High. A busy, energetic swimmer โ keep plenty of open swimming room.
How much maintenance does a Potter's Angelfish need?
Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality โ stay on top of testing and maintenance.
What tank size does a Potter's Angelfish need?
Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.
Is a Potter's Angelfish a good fit for first-time owners?
For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.
How long do Potter's Angelfish live?
6โ12 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.
What health issues affect the Potter's Angelfish?
Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Parasites, Nutritional deficiency. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.
Similar breeds
Potter's Angelfish community
0 members
Be the first to join this community!
Community feed
Not sure this is the breed for you?
Answer 7 short questions and get ranked matches for your lifestyle.
Try the match quiz