The blue velvet angelfish (Centropyge deborae), also known as the Fiji blue midnight angelfish, is a small species of marine angelfish, family Pomacanthidae. It is only known from Fiji where it was initially considered to be a variety or subspecies of the midnight pygmy angelfish.
The blue velvet angelfish has an overall bluish-black colour, although in poor light it appears black.[1] The caudal fin has a white rear margin and the rays of the pectoral fin are black separated by a transparent membrane. The dorsal fin has 13–14 spines and 16–17 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 17–18 soft rays. This species attains a maximum total length of 7cm (03inches). [2]
The blue velvet angelfish is only known from Fiji.
The blue velvet angelfish is an extremely shy fish which often hides among rubble and rocks, particularly when alarmed, on seamounts.[3]
The blue velvet angelfish was first formally described in 2012 by Kang-Ning Shen, Hsuan-Ching Ho, and Chih-Wei Chang with the type locality given as Bligh Water, east of Yasawa Island in Fiji. The specific name honours Deborah Smith, wife of Walt Smith, a collector and trader in the aquarium trade who collected the type series. Within the genus Centropyge this species is considered to be incertae sedis.[4] It was initially identified as C. nox but the blue tint and subsequent genetic analysis at the National Taiwan University confirmed it was a new species.[1]
The blue velvet angelfish makes an occasional appearance in the aquarium trade.[1]