Potter's Angelfish

Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri) is a small dwarf angelfish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and nearby waters. It has a warm rusty-orange body that shades to blue-grey on the back and belly, patterned with fine, irregular blue-black wavy lines. As a Centropyge dwarf angelfish it is a compact reef grazer feeding largely on algae. Being a Hawaiian endemic makes it a sought-after species, and it is closely tied to the islands' reef and rubble habitats where it stays near shelter.

Identify Potter's Angelfish by:

• A rusty-orange body shading to blue-grey on the back and belly.
• Fine, irregular blue-black wavy lines over the body.
• Small dwarf-angelfish body, ~9-13 cm.
• Range restricted to the Hawaiian region.

The orange-and-blue-grey body with wavy dark lines, in Hawaiian waters, is diagnostic.

Potter's Angelfish inhabit coral and rocky reefs with plenty of rubble and crevices from about 5 to 50 m around the Hawaiian Islands, where the species is endemic. They favour areas offering quick shelter and are typically seen close to the reef surface, darting into holes when disturbed.

Potter's Angelfish are diurnal grazers feeding mainly on algae and detritus with some small invertebrates. They are secretive, staying near rubble and crevices and retreating quickly when threatened. They live in small haremic groups and, like other dwarf angelfish, are protogynous hermaphrodites, with a dominant male overseeing several females and spawning in pairs at dusk.