Blue velvet angelfish (Centropyge deborae) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Fiji blue twilight angelfish
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Known only from Fiji; hides among rubble and rocks on seamounts
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
7 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Needs a quiet, well-furnished tank with rubble and caves to retreat into. The minimum tank size of about 200 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. Extremely shy and hides among rocks when alarmed. Bluish-black overall (looks black in poor light) with a white rear edge to the tail. First mistaken for the midnight angelfish (Centropyge nox). The list gives no size; the article gives 7 cm. Only occasionally available. The article gives no IUCN category. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centropygedeborae). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Its natural diet is not recorded. Treat it like other dwarf angelfish: live rock to graze, plus small feeds of frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, angelfish foods and marine algae.

Breeding

Breeding has not been recorded. Dwarf angelfish in general are pelagic spawners that release eggs and sperm at dusk.

Compatibility and tank mates

The list gives no reef-safe rating. Like other dwarf angelfish it may nip some corals and clam mantles. Keep it only with calm, small fish; it will hide constantly if bullied.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.