The difference between Pygmy Angels and Dwarf Angels

Jesterrace · Apr 2, 2019

After seeing the terms used interchangeably and given the fact that requirements are a bit different between the two (in terms of tank size/length required), I figured this might be useful. Feel free to comment on whether or not you find the info useful:

DarthSimon · Apr 2, 2019

Fabulous Video and great Info!!! Thank you man...

Jesterrace · Apr 2, 2019

Thank You.

dylana407 · Apr 2, 2019

Thanks for sharing. It unfortunate that many new hobbyists don't take the time to research.

Jesterrace · Apr 2, 2019

I agree. I get that they are all Centropyge but I do feel that there is a distinction between the two and many people lump their care and requirements together, while I feel that they are a bit different from each other.

pcon · Apr 3, 2019

You miss the key distinction: Dwarf angels belong to Centropyge and pigmy angels belong to Xiphypops. This is a relatively recent taxonomic development and as such the hobby, and much of the literature have not changed to reflect it. It is my understanding that, it has been accepted that the distinction be elevated to the genus level by the scientific community.
The a key distinguishing feature is the presence of these facial spines.

"The well-developed preorbital spines of Xiphypops. Credit: Sabine Penisson"
(Caption and Post Credit Reefs.com article)

eatbreakfast · Apr 3, 2019

So I don't think Xiphypops is currently recognized in the classification system YET. There is genetic and physical differences that warrant the reuse of Xiphypops, but taxonomic literature hasn't made it official. Even the name MAY not be used, depending on how the taxonomist/s goes about it.

408Dartfish · Apr 3, 2019

Thanks for the video, good info.

Jesterrace · Apr 3, 2019

eatbreakfast said:
So I don't think Xiphypops is currently recognized in the classification system YET. There is genetic and physical differences that warrant the reuse of Xiphypops, but taxonomic literature hasn't made it official. Even the name MAY not be used, depending on how the taxonomist/s goes about it.

Thank You. I was wondering about this as I had never heard of Xiphypops and no vendor site or any other research site that I have seen uses the term. Obviously if they update it then I will do an update as well, but to anyone currently searching for Pygmy Angels they will almost certainly be looking for them lumped together under Centropyge. Although I do have to admit it would be cool to see them officially recognized under a totally different name than dwarf angels as it will further the distinction.

pcon · Apr 4, 2019

@eatbreakfast sorry jumped the gun in the middle of a good old fashioned taxonomy fight.

The article, by the Reefs.com, cites This 2014 Paper. It presents the case that both Paracentropyge and Xiphypops be elevated to the status of genus. My (poor)understanding is that similar findings using genetic analysis were in This 2004 Paper though the distinction it be elevated to genus level was not argued. Recent arguments against Xiphypops being elevated that I could find was this 2003 article evaluating body shape. The author actually goes into some of the history of Xiphypops in the introduction. Interestingly "Smth (1955) elevated Xiphypops to generic rank." 36 years before Paracentropyge was ever proposed "Burgess (1991) described two further genera, Paracentropyge with. . . . . .and Sumireyako." Paracentropyge being widely accepted and used today and Xiphypops seemingly relegated to obscurity. The history of Xiphypops has certainly been controversial, and it seems that controversy wont end soon.