Page 255 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

ANGELFISH 253

Centropyge bicolor Centropyge flavissima Centropyge eibli
Bicolor Angelfish Lemonpeel Angelfish Eibl’s Angelfish

ORIGINS The Indo-Pacific region, extending from ORIGINS North of the Philippines to the Marianas, south ORIGINS The Indo-Pacific region. (Only two of about 33
Malaysia to northwestern Australia, Japan, and Samoa. to Rapa Island; also Cocos-Keeling and Christmas Island. Centropyge species occur in the Caribbean.)
1
SIZE 5 in (12.5 cm). SIZE 5 ⁄2 in (14 cm). SIZE 4 in (10 cm).
DIET Eats animal protein and plant matter. DIET Mainly plant matter, plus prepared foods. DIET Plant matter, plus other marine 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 Usually placid. TEMPERAMENT Tolerant. TEMPERAMENT Nonaggressive.
Blue fin edging distinguishes this species from
juvenile Chocolate Surgeonfish (see p.236) and
the closely related Herald’s or Golden Dwarf
Angelfish (C. heraldi). Rather confusingly, however,
Lemonpeel Angelfish from Christmas Island also
lack the blue markings. The Lemonpeel, like other
dwarf angelfish, frequents the middle and lower
levels of the tank and thrives in a reef-type setup.

A yellow and purple-blue coloration gives the One of least brightly colored
Bicolor Angelfish a striking appearance. It may be members of the group, Eibl’s Angelfish is certainly
possible to keep these dwarf angelfish in pairs or not drab, with an attractive wavy body pattern and
small groups. Females are able to change into distinctive circles of gold and blue around the eyes.
males if the male of a group dies or is removed. Maintaining good water quality in the aquarium is
Spawning normally occurs at dusk, with the eggs vital, just as it is for all angelfish. Replace up to a
floating and being dispersed on the current, quarter of the volume every two weeks, especially
although successful breeding in aquariums is still a in a new tank. Otherwise, the fish are likely to
rare event. The young initially feed on plankton. succumb to parasitic and bacterial diseases.

Centropyge potteri
CORAL RETREATS
Potter’s Angelfish These attractive dwarf angelfish have a reputation
for being one of the harder species to acclimatize Angelfish are naturally encountered among
ORIGINS Occurs in the Pacific Ocean, especially in successfully to aquarium surroundings. They are the lower levels of coral reefs, rather than
the area around Hawaii. unlikely to thrive in a new tank setup, which will close to the surface. They instinctively seek
SIZE 4 in (10 cm). lack the algae they need in their diet. They should, out snug hiding places where they can retreat
DIET Prefers plant matter, and grazes on algae. however, settle well into an established reef and hide from any possible danger, and rest
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline aquarium with stable water chemistry. Most at night, as well. The tall, narrow body shape
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. invertebrates are safe with these angelfish, of angelfish means that they are able to slip
TEMPERAMENT Not usually aggressive. although they occasionally prey on tubeworms. easily into narrow crevices, beyond the reach
of most predators, where the bright colors
on their flanks are hidden from view. It is
important to replicate these retreats within
the aquarium in order to give the fish a sense
of security. In the tank, an angelfish will tend
to favor one particular crevice as its retreat.

US_252-253_Angelfish.indd 253 29/08/18 4:10 PM