All fish / Pomacanthidae

Nahacky's Angelfish

Centropyge nahackyi

Also known as nahacky's pygmy angelfish, nahacky angelfish, nahacky's angel, johnston island angelfish, nahackyi angel, ナハッキーズエンゼル, 纳氏刺尻鱼

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A small dwarf angelfish with a yellow body, dark blue to black flanks and blue edging on the fins, quite similar to Herald's and lemonpeel angels. It is one of the rarest and most expensive Centropyge in the hobby because it comes almost only from remote Johnston Atoll, so collectors prize it highly.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

Single specimen, or a male with females in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: algae, spirulina-based foods, mysis, brine shrimp and quality marine pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Johnston Atoll, central Pacific (also reported from Hawaii)

Breeding

Like other dwarf angels it is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns in pairs or harems at dusk, releasing pelagic eggs. Captive breeding is very difficult because the tiny larvae need specialised live foods, and it has rarely if ever been achieved.

Good to know

May nip soft corals and clam mantles, so it is only partly reef safe, and it will fight other dwarf angels in small tanks. Supplies are extremely limited and prices very high, so check that the fish is not a cheaper look-alike such as a hybrid or Centropyge heraldi.