Hotumatua Angel (Centropyge hotumatua) Care Guide
Centropyge hotumatua is a dwarf angelfish from the remote southeastern Pacific, ranging around Easter Island, Pitcairn and Rapa. It is rarely seen in the aquarium trade.
Overview
Centropyge hotumatua is a small marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae. According to FishBase it reaches about 10.0 cm in total length and is restricted to the southeastern Pacific, where it occurs around Rapa, Pitcairn and Easter islands. The limited range makes it one of the least collected dwarf angels, and it is rarely exported through the aquarium trade.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Centropyge
- Scientific name: Centropyge hotumatua
Habitat
FishBase records the species as marine, reef-associated and non-migratory in subtropical waters at depths of roughly 14-50 m. It inhabits areas with coral or rock bottoms that offer numerous crevices. Reefs.com describes it as effectively endemic to Easter Island with additional sightings at neighbouring islands such as Pitcairn and the Gambier Archipelago.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (carbonate hardness): 8-12
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase reports that this species feeds on filamentous algae in the wild. In captivity an omnivorous regime is appropriate, combining algae-based foods with small meaty items offered through frequent small feedings.
Compatibility
It is a mid-water, semi-aggressive dwarf angel. FishBase notes that the species forms harems of 3-7 individuals in the wild. In aquaria it is generally kept with tangs, clownfish, wrasses and gobies, while other Centropyge angels and aggressive damsels are best avoided to limit territorial conflict.
Reef compatibility
As a Centropyge species it is considered reef-compatible with caution, since dwarf angels may nip at coral polyps and clam mantles. Stable reef chemistry with specific gravity around 1.024-1.026 and carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH supports the species.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), as reported by FishBase.