Page 254 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

252 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

ANGELFISH

The angelfish family includes some of the most attractively
patterned of all reef fish. The size of angelfish can vary
greatly between species. While dwarf angelfish (Centropyge
species) attain a maximum length of 5 in (12.5 cm), their
larger relatives may grow as large as 24 in (60 cm) in
the wild. The young of these bigger species often differ
significantly in appearance from the adults. Bear this in
mind when choosing young angelfish for the aquarium,
and never base your choice simply on size, because
you could easily end up buying a juvenile that rapidly
outgrows its accommodation. Larger species are also
more quarrelsome than their smaller relatives and not
generally suited to being housed with invertebrates.
Dazzling coloration, as typified by the Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
shown here, is a feature displayed by many members of the group.

Centropyge bispinosa Centropyge vrolikii Centropyge loriculus
Coral Beauty Half-Black Angelfish Flame Angelfish

ORIGINS The Indo-Pacific region, including areas of ORIGINS Found in the Indo-Pacific region, as with the ORIGINS East of the Philippines to Samoa, occasionally
Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Philippines. vast majority of Centropyge species. Hawaii, and south to the Great Barrier Reef.
SIZE 3 ⁄2 in (9 cm). SIZE 4 ⁄4 in (12 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
1
3
DIET Plant matter and some animal matter. DIET Plant matter and prepared diets. DIET Plant matter plus other foods.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Typically docile. TEMPERAMENT Not harmful to invertebrates. TEMPERAMENT Rather shy.
The Coral Beauty varies throughout its range, with This is one of the hardiest of the dwarf angelfish
stunning shades of blue and green as well as rich and its care, in terms of its diet, is straightforward.
yellow hues all being evident. Juveniles have red However, Flame Angelfish are not very tolerant of
flanks, broken by fine purple lines, rather than the their own kind, so if you want to keep more than
yellow background of the adults (this is also seen one, it is important to include plenty of retreats.
in older individuals from the Philippines). As with To pair them up, obtain two juveniles. These will
all dwarf angelfish, algae and other plant matter initially both be female, but one will develop into
must feature significantly in their diet. a male, becoming bigger and more colorful.
Serrated fin Variable
blotches
The markings on the scales of this dwarf angelfish
resemble tiny pearls—hence its common name.
The lack of stripes across the body distinguishes it
from Eibl’s Angelfish (see opposite). The Half-Black
Angelfish’s subdued coloration means that it is less
popular than other, more colorful members of
the group, but it is easy to care for, thriving in
an established tank where it can graze on algae.

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