Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean: Easter, Pitcairn, Austral and Rapa Islands.
Size: 3 inches (7.5 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits caves and crevices on rocky reefs containing marginal stony coral growths at depths between 50 – 150 feet (15 – 45 m).
General Husbandry: This beautiful dwarf angelfish, named after the Polynesian Chief Hotumatua, is rarely seen in the hobby trade. Its body front half and tail is yellow, with its rear body varying shades of blue and is often seen with a small dark mottled area just aft of the eyes, hence the name Blackear Angefish.
Its diet in the wild is unclear, however, its recommended this species be added to a well-established reef or fish-only aquarium where it can browse rock surfaces and crevices for various kinds of nutritional foodstuffs. As with most other species in this genus, a daily diet consisting of a wide variety of frozen foods including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and flake food, especially Spirulina should suffice nicely. Nevertheless, since this is a rare species, and travels a far distance to an owner’s aquarium, recommend when first introduced into the aquarium, it be offered several daily feedings so as to quickly acclimate it to its surroundings. Also take note this species comes from waters that are slightly cooler than what most hobbyists maintain their aquariums, e.g., high 70’s to low 80’s. Therefore, consider somewhat lower aquarium temperatures, possibly mid 70’s if wanting to maintain this species. That should in most situations still be acceptable to most reef animals.
Can be quite shy when first entering the aquarium, and will hide in caves and crevices. But as time passes, will become more outgoing and begin to establish its territory. Yet keep in mind they are not suited for small nano style aquariums, as they will not only become quite aggressive in these small aquariums, they will, without numerous feedings per day, be able to find enough food to be maintained long-term. Also keep in mind only one species from this dwarf angelfish genus should be in the aquarium, as they tend to develop aggression to other dwarf angelfish species.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Centropyge
FYI: All Centropyge species start life as unsexed individuals, but begin their adult life as females. Then, the larger or more dominant individual within small groups will change sex within a few days to a couple of weeks and become a male. Knowing that size is the main difference between the sexes, and not so much its coloration, all one needs to do is place a small and larger specimen together. Within approximately sixty days one of the two fish will have physically changed sex to accommodate the other. A reversal of this sex change is possible if the need arises, but that requires much more time, e.g., weeks to months.
Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Reef Safe: With caution – underfed specimens have a tendency to nip clam mantles, sea anemones, large–polyped stony (LPS) corals and some soft corals such as zoanthids.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 76°F (21 – 24°C).
Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.027
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
