Saltwater Aquarium Dwarf Angelfish (Centropyges)

These also belong to the Pomachantid family and share its characteristic spine. They are mainly native to the Indo-Pacific region, where they frequent the coral reefs taking shelter in caves or under overhangs. Territorial; they can be aggressive with members of their own species, or with Centropyges with a similar coloring.

They are sociable with other fish and respect invertebrates. They are rarely longer than 12 cm and require an aquarium of at least 200 liters, equipped with places to hide. Their natural diet mainly consists of algae; in captivity, a vegetable diet of spinach and lettuce can be topped off with small, live prey, especially crustaceans.

Rusty Angelfish
(Centropyge Ferrugatus)
The medium-sized rusty angel can be confused with other species. However, it is recognizable from the fine blue stripes on the dorsal and anal fins. The caudal fin is not convex. Size: 10 cm.

angelfih-rusty

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge Bicolor)
In nature, the peaceful bicolor angel live in groups, but this is not possible in captivity, except in very large aquariums. It is sometimes difficult to keep in a tank and has a reputation for being a fussy eater. Its basic diet consists of brine shrimps, tubifex worms, and chopped mussels. Size: 10 cm.

Flame Back Angelfish (Centropyge Acanthops)
This is a small species, relatively easy to keep, but rarely found in the aquarium trade. The flame back angelfish likes hideaways and feeds on algae and small invertebrates. In some specimens, the eye is surrounded by a blue circle.
Size: 7 cm.

Eibl's Angelfish (Centropyge Eibli)
Eibl's angelfish, aggressive towards all the other species in the genus, is easy to keep in captivity. Its vegetable diet can be complemented by small invertebrates. Size: 12 cm.

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge Loriculus)
One of the most beautiful dwarf angels, the flame angelfish appreciates hiding places in an aquarium. It feeds on algae and brine shrimps, but may also accept commercial food. Size: 7 cm.

Yellow Angelfish (Centropyge Heraldi)
The yellow angelfish resembles the lemonpeel angel, although it does not have the blue marks on the eye, operculum, and fins. This delicate species is rarely imported. Size: 10 cm.

Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge Potteri)
The Potter's angelfish is placid and accepts a wide range of food. Nevertheless, it is sometimes considered delicate for an aquarium. Size: 10 cm.

Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge Flavissimus)
The eye of the lemonpeel angelfish is framed by a blue circle; the juvenile has an ocellus (eyelike spot) in the middle of each side. It accepts small items of food, but keeping it in captivity has its complications. This species is fragile and is rarely imported. Size: 11 cm.

Half-Black Angelfish (Centropyge Vroliki)
This is one of the largest fish in this genus: the half-black angelfish acclimatizes well and flourishes in captivity, accepting both live and dead prey. It is particularly aggressive towards other dwarf angelfish when it is deprived of sufficient space. Size: 13 cm.