Angelfish, Dwarf
1- Coral Beauty Angelfish
Centropyge bispinosa
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
Very common on the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is also known as the Twospined or Dusky Angelfish. The body and head are a deep royal blue, highlighted with an iridescent orange to yellow. The Coral Beauty Angelfish is one of the easiest angels to care for.
It requires a 70 gallon or larger tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Coral Beauty Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates).
The diet of the Coral Beauty Angelfish should consist ofSpirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other quality meaty foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4"
2- Bicolor Angelfish
Centropyge bicolor
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
Thought by many to be the most striking of the Centropyge group of dwarf or pygmy angelfish, the Bicolor Angelfish, also known as the Two-colored Angelfish or Oriole Angelfish, is a vibrant yellow on the anterior half of its body and a deep blue on the posterior half. A splash of deep blue extends upward vertically from the eye to the top of the head and the tail is yellow.
A minimum of a 70 gallon tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing will offer an environment in which to thrive. Not a good reef dweller, the Bicolor Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles.
It is hermaphroditic, very difficult to breed in an aquarium, and has no distinguishable differences in color between male to female. The Bicolor Angelfish requires a diet ofSpirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, and mysis or frozen shrimp.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4-1/2"
3- Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loricula
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Cebu, Christmas Island, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Flame Angelfish requires at least a 70-gallon aquarium with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. The Flame Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. If the Flame Angelfish is to be added to a peaceful community, it should be the last fish introduced. The Flame Angelfish adapts well to aquarium life, but should be kept in an established system and housed with dissimilar genera. The Flame Angel is very sensitive to elevated levels of copper, and should never be exposed to levels near or above 0.15 ppm.
The Flame Angelfish is hermaphroditic, very difficult to breed in an aquarium, and has no distinguishable differences in color between male to female.
The diet of the Flame Angelfish should consist of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other high-quality meaty items.
There are slight differences in both coloration and markings of this species based on the location of collection. Flame Angelfish from the Central Pacific include both Marshall Islands and Christmas Island. Marshall Island Flame Angelfish are redder in color, with thicker black bars running vertically down the body. Christmas Island Flame Angelfish are normally red/orange coloration with thin black bars running vertically down the body. Flame Angelfish from Cebu are red/orange with undefined black bars and a tint of yellow in between the bars. Flame Angelfish from Tahiti are rarely collected and are blood red in coloration and possess very little to no yellow. It is important to note that these color descriptions are a general guideline. Please expect variation among each fish. The price differences between different varieties reflect the difference in collection, transportation and importation expense.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1" to 1-3/4" Medium; 1-3/4" to 2-1/2" Large; 2-1/2" to 4"
4- Lemonpeel Angelfish
Centropyge flavissima
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.021-1.025
Max. Size: 6"
Color Form: Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Fiji, Vanuatu
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Lemonpeel Angelfish is a cheery yellow with sky-blue highlights on the lips, encircling the eyes, on the pectoral fins, and the tips of the dorsal, caudal, and anal fins. To avoid confusion with the False Lemonpeel Angelfish (C. heraldi) that lacks the blue highlights, this angelfish is also referred to as the True Lemonpeel Angelfish.
The Lemonpeel Angelfish requires a 70 gallon or larger aquarium with hiding places and large amounts of live rock to graze on the microalgae growth. It is very prone to nip at large-polyped stony corals and clam mantles. It is best not to keep Lemonpeel Angelfish with fish of the same genera.
The diet of the Lemonpeel Angelfish should includeSpirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. This angelfish requires more algae and seaweed in its diet than most angels.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1" to 1-3/4"; Medium: 1-3/4" to 2-1/2"; Large: 2-1/2" to 4-1/2"
5- Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish
Centropyge argi
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Caribbean
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Pygmy Angelfish is also called the Cherubfish, Cherub Angelfish, or Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish. It is a brilliant sapphire-blue with orange highlights to the face.
The Pygmy Angelfish requires a 55 gallon or larger tank with numerous hiding places and live rock for grazing on microalgae. It may nip at large-polyped stony corals and clam mantles.
The Pygmy Angelfish is an aggressive little angelfish, so it is best to never have more than one male per tank, since they may fight to the death. A breeding pair may be kept, and the Pygmy Angelfish has been bred in an aquarium with success.
The diet of the Pygmy Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. Feed three times daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1/2" to 1" Medium; 1" to 2" Large; 2" to 3"
6- Flameback Angelfish
Centropyge acanthops
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 3"
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Africa, Maldives
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Flameback Angelfish, also known as the African Pygmy Angelfish or Orangeback Angelfish, has striking contrasts of blue and orange-yellow colors. While the body is predominately blue, there is a broad and bright orange to yellow swatch from the head along the back to the tip of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is yellow and somewhat transparent, which distinguishes it from the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish (also known as the Fireball Angelfish - Centropyge aurantonotus).
The Flameback Angelfish requires a minimum of a 55 gallon tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. On occasion, this fish may nip at SPS and some species of polyp corals in the reef aquarium.
The diet of the Flameback Angelfish should includeSpirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty foods.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small: 1/2" to 1" Medium 1" to 2" Large 2" to 3"
7- Potter's Angelfish
Centropyge potteri
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Orange, Purple, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Hawaiian Islands
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Potter's Angelfish, or Potter's Pygmy Angelfish, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands area, including the Johnston Atoll. The body is a brilliant orange, marbleized with pale to dark blue. The caudal portions of the dorsal and anal fins as well as the caudal fin are a dark blue-black.
The Potter's Angelfish requires at least a 70 gallon, well-established tank with multiple hiding places and live rock for grazing on microalgae. It may attack soft corals and other sessile invertebrates in the reef aquarium.
It is hermaphroditic, difficult to breed, and there are no distinguishing characteristics to help differentiate males from females.
The Potter's Angelfish should be offered a variety of foods including Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.
Approximate Purchase Size:Small 1-1/2" -2", Medium: 2" to 3 1/2", Large 3 1/2" to 4"
8- Tibicen Angelfish
Centropyge tibicin
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 8"
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Coral Sea, Indonesia
Family: Pomacanthidae
The Tibicen Angelfish, also referred to as the Keyhole Angelfish or Melas Angelfish, is one of the largest of the Centropyge genus. Somewhat drab when compared to most other angelfish, the Tibicen Angelfish is primarily a dull blue to brownish-blue. The pelvic and lower portion of the anal fins are yellow. The egg-shaped, white vertical bar found in the mid-central body area gives it its name.
Provide a 70 gallon or larger tank for the Tibicen Angelfish. It should have large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. It may nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It will also feed on filamentous algae and diatoms.
It is hermaphroditic, very difficult to breed in an aquarium, and has no distinguishable differences in color between male to female.
Its diet should also include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. Feed 2-3 times daily.
Approximate Purchase Size: Small; 1" to 1-3/4" Medium; 1-3/4" to 2-1/2" Large; 2-1/2" to 4-1/2"
Saltwater Angelfish are truly an aquarist's inspiration, few fish rival their beauty and majesty!
Marine Angelfish are remarkable creatures and some of the most alluring of all fish. They have an elegant form, graceful movement, and often display beautiful vibrant colors. Their bodies are compressed laterally, a flat disc-like form that allows them to slip between rocky outcroppings and reef crevices. They come in all shapes and sizes, and although they can be very showy, their coloration actually helps them blend with the patterns and shadows of the reef.
Saltwater angelfish vary considerably in their care requirements, and with wild caught specimens, acclimating them to the aquarium can be a challenge. Yet once established they are relatively hardy, making these exquisite specimens highly desirable. Angelfish do tend to become very territorial as they mature, so it is generally recommended to keep only a single specimen.
Many feed only on sponge and tunicate, and adult specimens may become destructive to a reef. There are prepared angel formulas containing sponge, but it can often be difficult to get an angel to accept new foods. However once an angelfish is feeding it can live for many years. An example is the aquarium in Nancy, France, which has successfully kept several specimens of saltwater angelfish for over 20 years.
The list of saltwater angelfish below include many aquarium fish species. Each fish guide has in-depth angelfish information about their places of origin, habitats and behaviors as well as the fish care needed for successfully keeping angelfish aquariums. Angelfish pictures are also provided within each fish guide to help with saltwater fish identification, and aid in choosing pet fish.
About Saltwater Angelfish:
Saltwater Angelfish are found on shallow reefs in the tropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, and Western Pacific Oceans. The majority of the angelfish species are found in the Western Pacific, only nine species are found in the Atlantic and as few as four in the Eastern Pacific/Indian Ocean areas. The family Pomacanthidae, angelfishes, consists of 9 genera containing approximately 87 species of saltwater angelfish. They are distinguished from the similarly shaped butterflyfish by strong preopercle spines found on each of the lower gill covers of the angelfish.
For the most part, marine angelfish dwell among shallow reefs. They are diurnal, moving about and feeding during the daytime, and at night seeking refuge among crevices in the reef and rocky outcroppings. Many are solitary, but some are found in pairs, or living in small groups or harems consisting of a dominant male and several females. These fish are pelagic spawners. They release many tiny eggs into the planktonic water column where they float with the currents until they hatch.
Saltwater angelfish are very colorful and come in many sizes. As juveniles they can have a different coloration than they do as adults. These fishes are also protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they begin their life cycle as females with dominant specimens turning male. Males can also revert back to female if the social status changes. Many of the adult angelfish become territorial as they grow older and it is thought that perhaps the different coloration among the younger fish keep them from being the target of the older fish's aggression. Another interesting tidbit, some angels are also known to perform cleaner fish duties as juveniles.
Size wise, angelfish range from about 4 inches (10 cm) to 24 inches (60 cm) in the wild. The smallest species, those known as the Dwarf Angel or Pygmy Angel, only reach up to about 6" (15 cm). Other species are medium sized to quite large, with the largest angelfish reaching about 24" (60 cm). Marine angels all have small mouths and tail fins that are crescent-shaped, or lunate. Many angels have decorative streamers that extend from the outer tips of the tail fin and the dorsal fin.
Saltwater angelfish are very similar to the equally showy butterflyfishes. But angels are distinguished by their strong preopercle spines found on each of the lower gill covers, which are lacking on the butterflyfish. They are members of the Pomacanthidae family, a descriptive name for these preopercle-spine fish derived from the Greeks, with "Poma" meaning cover and "akantha" meaning thorn.
Saltwater Angelfish Species :
Angelfish are members of the Perciformes Order, the perch-like, Ray-finned or Bony Fishes. This order of fishes originated more than 65 million years ago during the Late Cretaceous period, also a time of the dinosaurs. Perciformes are comprised of more than 7000 species of fish with about 155 families. The Saltwater Angelfish belong under the Pomacanthidae Family, which consists of 9 genera containing approximately 87 saltwater angelfish species.
Current saltwater angelfish classification:
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Phylum: Chordata
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Subphylum: Vertebrata
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Class: Actinopterygii = Osteichthyes (Ray-Finned or Bony Fishes)
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Order: Perciformes (Perch-Like fishes)
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Suborder: Percoidei
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Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
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Genera:
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Apolemichthys - 8 species
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Centropyge - 32 species
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Chaetodontoplus - 14 species
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Genicanthus - 9 species
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Holacanthus - 8 species (9 species if you include H. isabelita as valid)
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Paracentropyge - monotypic
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Pomacanthus - 13 species
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Pygoplites - monotypic
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Sumireyakko - monotypic
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Angelfish Aquariums :
Saltwater angelfish are prized for their unique shape and exotic colors. They are also favored for their intelligent behavior, seeming to recognize their owner. Yet successfully keeping angelfish aquariums depends on a number of factors. It's important to select the right angelfish for your particular tank size and set-up, and provide the right foods for that particular species. Many angelfish are not considered reef safe. Tank mates must also be compatible.
Angelfish are grazers, constantly looking for food. Depending on the species, some will snack on micro and filamentous algae, and some will nibble on macro algae. They are best introduced into an established saltwater aquarium, and one with good algae growth. Live rock housing small crustaceans is also beneficial.
Angelfish must be willing to accept new foods in their diet in order to survive in an aquarium and are therefore considered difficult to keep. Feeding a large variety of foods is important in order to entice them into eating. Once feeding is accomplished, they can survive for long periods of time in captivity.
Most angelfish, except the Pygmies (Centropyge) are sponge and tunicate eaters. This makes them hard to acclimate since these foods are generally not included in prepared fish foods. Several sponge-based frozen foods are now available and should be fed to certain angelfish especially those of the genus Holocanthus.
Angelfish Habitat:
The smaller angelfish species are popular with many aquarists because they require less space and are relatively hardy. Many of the smaller angels (Centropyge) can be housed in a reef but may become destructive with age. Larger angelfish, on the other hand can provide a very impressive showcase but require a much larger tank, and many are very territorial and aggressive fish.
- Small Species: Aquarium Size: 20 - 55 gallons
Centropyge - The Dwarf/Pygmy Angelfish, rarely get to be over 10 cm. (4 inches) but are very beautiful and adapt well to aquarium life. In the wild they eat mostly algae.
Paracentropyge
Sumireyakko
- Medium Species: Aquarium Size: 55 - 100 gallons:
Apolemichthys - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates. Plankton eaters.
Chaetodontoplus - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates (sea squirts).
Genicanthus
Pygoplites
- Large Species: Aquarium Size: 100 - 300 gallons
Holacanthus - The King and Queen angelfish are the best known examples of this genus, they generally eat sponges and therefore are more difficult to keep healthy in an aquarium.
Pomacanthus - In the wild these angels eat mostly sponges and tunicates. Plankton eaters.
Angelfish Compatibility :
Saltwater Angelfish are territorial and can be very aggressive fish. These fish will quarrel with their own species, and most often will not tolerate any other species. There are different levels of aggression, depending on the species, but it is generally it is best to keep just a single specimen. When combining different types of fish, try adding the angelfish last. Introducing new fish to an established community can cause territorial disputes.
- Small Dwarf Angel or Pygmy Angels, Centropyge species, can do well in a community fish tank with other non-aggressive fish. Some of the medium sized angels, like those from the Chaetodontoplus and Genicanthus genera, and a few others mid-sized species are also suited to a community setting. Tank mates that do well with these marine angels include Butterflyfish, Anthias, Gobies and Blennies, and similar non-related species.
- Larger saltwater angelfish, notable those from the Holacanthus and Pomacanthus genera, are territorial and more aggressive. They should be housed with other fish that also have a more aggressive temperament. Damsels, Triggerfish, Hawkfish, Tangs, Groupers and Eels can make good companions.
Mixing different species of angelfish almost never works. There are a few exceptions, but only in a large aquarium. Some that can be housed as pairs or perhaps a small harem include:
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Lemonpeel Angelfish Centropyge flavissimus
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Cherub Angelfish Centropyge argi
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Blackspot Angelfish Genicanthus melanospilos
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Herald's Angelfish Centropye heraldi
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Bicolor Angelfish Centropyge bicolor