For the purpose of our discussion here, we shall focus only on the Centropyge (also called the “dwarf” group as the size rarely goes above 3 inches) before moving on to the other genera. Care, husbandry and general tank maintenance will not be our main agenda as these have been covered in other separate topics on individual angelfish species. What is more important is to list down those well-known and popular species
from the group. Whenever possible, I will include related information about the general behavior with accompanying pictures, including reef compatibility. Do note that some of the fish mentioned here are rare, exotic species with some being new discoveries recently discovered over the years.
The Centropyge
Centropyge genus is perhaps the largest group of all as it is made up of at least 70 different species. There are some fish references listing down figure far higher than that although to keep it simple, the compilation here only restricts the numbers to some of the most commonly seen centropyge angelfish available at pet stores and this includes some of the new recent discoveries. Also for your information, nowadays there are even hybrids appearing due to cross-breeding effort undertaken by some overly enthusiastic aquarist. Note that the collection of information here rely mostly on the discussion with fellow aquarists from the reef tank clubs and society, with some taken from publications and hopefully this will serve as a reference guide to anyone interested to make this excellent pet fish a centerpiece for their aquarium tank.
The Centropyge
Centropyge genus is perhaps the largest group of all as it is made up of at least 70 different species. There are some fish references listing down figure far higher than that although to keep it simple, the compilation here only restricts the numbers to some of the most commonly seen centropyge angelfish available at pet stores and this includes some of the new recent discoveries. Also for your information, nowadays there are even hybrids appearing due to cross-breeding effort undertaken by some overly enthusiastic aquarist. Note that the collection of information here rely mostly on the discussion with fellow aquarists from the reef tank clubs and society, with some taken from publications and hopefully this will serve as a reference guide to anyone interested to make this excellent pet fish a centerpiece for their aquarium tank.
Centropyge abei (Abe’s Angelfish)
Behavior: Not quite understood as close encounter with the fish is mostly confined to those in the wild. In fact, attempts to keep them in aquariums often result in failure but recently progress has been made as more and more knowledge and understanding of the species is made known.
Colors and Appearance: Combination of 3 different colors which has yellow on the lower horizontal half while black marking will appear on the other top half. The head region is mostly white except for the region close to the eyes. The picture here should be self-explanatory as it portrays a very vibrant and colorful specimen.
Centropyge ferrugata (Rusty Angelfish)
Behavior: Comparatively docile
The shape and color can almost look like a Flame Angelfish except that the pattern does not made up of vertical bars but instead appear as random spots. The color can range from brownish to slightly orangery shades and this variation is largely due to the different age of the fish.
Reef Compatibility: Compared to the other angelfish species, Rusty Angelfish appears to be less destructive. That is provided that you keep them well-fed and they will appear less interested turning away from their normal grazing activity.
Centropyge bicolor (Oriole Angelfish)
Behavior: Generally shy and will get along well with other saltwater species.
Colors and Appearance: Appears in combination of solid bright yellow and blue in which both of these colors occupy about half-half of the total body area. There is also a blue band starting from the head extending until the eyes.
Survival rate in artificial tank captivity seems to be low as the fish will often find it difficult to acclimatize to home aquarium environment. However, for those tank-bred originally raised in captivity, they will have not have any problem adjusting to the normal aquarium life as long as algae as their main source of foods is abundance. Compatibility: Not only will they harass the other angelfish but will also pick on the invertebrates.
Centropyge bispinosa (Dusky Angelfish/Coral Beauty)
Behavior: Sometimes also referred to as Two-Spined Angelfish. It is rather shy but can live harmoniously with the other fish including its own species. Some aquarist actually bought them as a pair.
Colors and Appearance: Combination of variety of colors with predominantly blue mix with orange and white while there are some variants of the angelfish which look darker in comparison with the others.
Reef Compatibility: Often seen attacking coral polyps.
Centropyge boylei (Peppermint Angelfish)
One of the recent new additions to the angelfish family is the peppermint angelfish. It is easily recognizable by its cute body feature and its unique alternating red and white vertical color band which overall makes it distinctive. The species was first mentioned by Pyle & Randall, 1992 and recently a live specimen was put on display in public aquaria. Due to its exotic status you can expect a staggering price tag in order to have one and I bet you can’t find that sold in pet stores. For now, that status remains. Fancy having peppermint angelfish, how about getting a peppermint shrimp instead?
The other Centropyge Family which are more commonly seen.
Next on the Pomacanthidae family »
Behavior: Not quite understood as close encounter with the fish is mostly confined to those in the wild. In fact, attempts to keep them in aquariums often result in failure but recently progress has been made as more and more knowledge and understanding of the species is made known. Colors and Appearance: Combination of 3 different colors which has yellow on the lower horizontal half while black marking will appear on the other top half. The head region is mostly white except for the region close to the eyes. The picture here should be self-explanatory as it portrays a very vibrant and colorful specimen.
Centropyge ferrugata (Rusty Angelfish)
Behavior: Comparatively docileThe shape and color can almost look like a Flame Angelfish except that the pattern does not made up of vertical bars but instead appear as random spots. The color can range from brownish to slightly orangery shades and this variation is largely due to the different age of the fish.
Reef Compatibility: Compared to the other angelfish species, Rusty Angelfish appears to be less destructive. That is provided that you keep them well-fed and they will appear less interested turning away from their normal grazing activity.
Centropyge bicolor (Oriole Angelfish)
Behavior: Generally shy and will get along well with other saltwater species.Colors and Appearance: Appears in combination of solid bright yellow and blue in which both of these colors occupy about half-half of the total body area. There is also a blue band starting from the head extending until the eyes.
Survival rate in artificial tank captivity seems to be low as the fish will often find it difficult to acclimatize to home aquarium environment. However, for those tank-bred originally raised in captivity, they will have not have any problem adjusting to the normal aquarium life as long as algae as their main source of foods is abundance. Compatibility: Not only will they harass the other angelfish but will also pick on the invertebrates.
Centropyge bispinosa (Dusky Angelfish/Coral Beauty)
Behavior: Sometimes also referred to as Two-Spined Angelfish. It is rather shy but can live harmoniously with the other fish including its own species. Some aquarist actually bought them as a pair.
Colors and Appearance: Combination of variety of colors with predominantly blue mix with orange and white while there are some variants of the angelfish which look darker in comparison with the others.
Reef Compatibility: Often seen attacking coral polyps.
Centropyge boylei (Peppermint Angelfish)
One of the recent new additions to the angelfish family is the peppermint angelfish. It is easily recognizable by its cute body feature and its unique alternating red and white vertical color band which overall makes it distinctive. The species was first mentioned by Pyle & Randall, 1992 and recently a live specimen was put on display in public aquaria. Due to its exotic status you can expect a staggering price tag in order to have one and I bet you can’t find that sold in pet stores. For now, that status remains. Fancy having peppermint angelfish, how about getting a peppermint shrimp instead?The other Centropyge Family which are more commonly seen.
Next on the Pomacanthidae family »
The Chaetodontoplus which is also a beautiful and fascinating group of angelfish
