Potter's Angelfish

Potter's Angelfish is a stunning Hawaiian endemic dwarf angelfish renowned for its vibrant marbled pattern of deep orange and rich blue. The body is primarily a warm rusty orange, overlaid with irregular blue streaks and bars that create a beautiful marble-like effect unique to each individual. The fins are edged in blue, and the overall appearance is one of the most visually captivating among all Centropyge species.

Exclusively found in Hawaiian waters and around Johnston Atoll, Potter's Angelfish has an extremely limited natural range. It inhabits rocky reef environments at depths typically between 5 and 40 meters, where it feeds on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates. Its status as a Hawaiian endemic makes it both desirable and somewhat expensive in the aquarium trade, as collection is limited to Hawaiian waters where regulation and logistics add to the cost.

Keeping Potter's Angelfish in captivity is considered challenging, as the species can be sensitive during acclimation and may be reluctant to feed initially. It requires a well-established aquarium with abundant mature live rock and pristine water quality. Once settled, specimens become more confident and display their full coloration magnificently. This species is semi-aggressive and may nip at corals, making it a risky choice for sensitive reef setups. For many aquarists, the combination of beauty and Hawaiian exclusivity makes Potter's Angelfish worth the extra care it demands.