Flame Angel

Centropyge loriculus

Feeding: It is important that you feed angelfish all kinds of live, frozen, and prepared formula foods. Pygmy angelfish are known to eat mostly algae in the wild, so a diet rich in vegetable matter is essential. Meaty foods and greenstuff.

Under stress these angel species are highly susceptible to Brooklynella and Oodinium (Amyloodinium) infections. The former looks like white, clumpy gunk on body and fins, the latter is typical tan to blackish small dusty-dots over the entire fish. See below under Disease:, concerning prevention and treatment. Torn fins, bulbous eyes, genetic anomalies rule out an individual as well.

Provide plenty of shelter for hiding. Best kept in aquariums with ample algae and other live rock growth.

Although touted by aquarists to be a fairly good reef safe fish, it may nip at large polyped stony corals, zoanthids, tridacnid clam mantles, and even some soft coral polyps. Therefore, this fish cannot be completely trusted if these invertebrates are present.

A flashy and popular species, this dwarf angelfish has long been considered a durable aquarium choice. Can be aggressive towards members of its own genus, as well as toward fishes with similar shape or behaviour if they are not introduced after it has become established. To fit into a relatively peaceful community setting, it should be the last fish introduced.

Hawaiian specimens tend to be larger and have a deeper, more vibrant red colour than those of the Indo-Pacific region, which are more orangey-red in colour. The stripes on all species are still the same deep, almost fluorescent, deep blue-purple colour.

Hawaiian Flame Angels are not abundant, therefore are usually more expensive, not to mention desirable.

Difficulty: The Flame Angel is easy to keep.

Habitat: Scattered across the western Pacific at depths of 5-25 meters (16-82 ft.).

Aggressive. None. Good Community fish. Can be aggressive towards own genus.

Breeding: Not known in captivity

Sexing: Unknown

Size: up to 4 niches

No special water requirements

Temp: 75 - 82F