African pygmy angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Indian Ocean, distributed from Somalia to South Africa, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mascarene Islands. Inhabits coral reefs and rocky rubble zones.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Pomacanthidae family. One of the smallest species within the Centropyge genus, growing up to 8 cm (3.1 inches) in length.

Social Behavior: Bold, inquisitive, and active. Naturally lives in small groups. Territorial within its immediate rockwork territory in home aquaria.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Rich royal blue body contrasted with a bright golden-orange head and back. Neon blue highlights surround the eyes. Males are slightly larger.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum tank volume of 100 liters (26 gallons) with lots of live rock configured with caves and crawl spaces to promote constant grazing.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Grazes on algae and benthic microfauna. Feed spirulina pellets, nori, and high-quality frozen mysis and brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Requires clean, stable marine parameters: temperature 22-26°C (72-79°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Relatively reef safe compared to other dwarf angels, though caution is advised with fleshy corals. Best kept as the sole angelfish in smaller tanks.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unrecorded in standard domestic setups. Spawns in mid-water columns, releasing pelagic eggs that require microscopic live foods.

Risks and Diseases: Hardy once established, but susceptible to marine ich and skin flukes. Ensure a diverse diet and low-stress environment.