General

These are some of the most attractive fish available in the marine hobby. One of the interesting things about the larger Angelfish is their remarkable transformation from the juvenile coloration into their adult coloration. In general though, the dwarf species in the Genus Centropyge are hardier than the larger varieties. As always, be sure to do some research into the specific species that interests you. None of these fish are for the new tank, but there are quite a few that a good for beginners with a little experience and a fully cycled aquarium.

Feeding/Diet

Foods in Nature: The dwarf Angelfish of the genus Centropyge primarily eat microalgae, but will occasionally sample soft corals, anemones, feathers dusters, and plankton. The larger Angelfish feed primarily on sponges. They will also eat algae, plankton, worms, anemones, and coral.

Foods in Aquariums:  In captivity, they can be fed a staple diet of Tetra Color Bits or some other quality, dry, pellet food. However, this diet must be supplemented with frozen foods or they will suffer from Head and Lateral Line Syndrome (HLLS). Ocean Nutrition Formula Two, Angel Formula, and Small Angel Formula are all excellent choices. Frozen bloodworms, plankton, and mysis shrimp are also good dietary supplements. They need to be fed a portion of frozen food at least once per week. Angelfish will also forage from whatever live rock you have in the tank.

Compatibility

Angelfish are best kept one to a tank. You may be able to mix a dwarf variety with a larger Angelfish. If you do this, it is best to introduce the dwarf Angelfish to your tank first. Other suitable tank mates would include Butterflyfish, Surgeonfish, Clownfish, Damsels, and Wrasses.

Habitat In nature, Angelfish forage over a large territory that they will defend against other fish that they see as competitors. The dwarf Angelfish can be kept in a tank as small as 55-gallons. The larger types should not be kept in anything smaller than a 75-gallon tank with larger tanks being better. Best Bets Cherub Angelfish (Centropyge argi) Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosus) Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) Passer Angelfish (Holacanthus passer) Blue-ringed Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) Koran Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus) Advanced Care Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus) Expert Care Navarchus Angelfish (Euxiphipops navarchus) Blue Face Angelfish (Euxiphipops xanthometopon) Best Avoided Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri) Rock Beauty Angelfish (Holacanthus tricolor)- eats only sponges Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)