Coral beauty angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Extremely widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific (East Africa, Tuamotu, Izu and Lord Howe). Inhabits coastal lagoons rich in soft corals and outer slopes of ocean reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa). Belongs to the dwarf angelfish family (Pomacanthidae). Does not exceed 10 cm (4 inches) in the aquarium. Possesses, like all Centropyge, a hard sharp opercular spine.

Social Behavior: Dwarf angelfish with a moderately aggressive but retiring temperament. Tends to spend the days swimming zigzag inside rocky caves, continuously nipping the substrate. Must be kept single to avoid lethal wars among conspecifics.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Among the most beautiful marine fish: the body is intense blue or violet, crossed on the flanks (and sometimes on the abdomen) by orange shades and purplish vertical "tiger" stripes. Very variable coloration from individual to individual.

Aquarium Setup: Marine aquarium of at least 150 liters (40 gallons, better 65). A complex live rockwork with innumerable shelters and caves is mandatory. Does not tolerate bare tanks.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous algivore. The basic diet consists of microalgae that it scrapes from the rocks (and sometimes organic detritus). In the aquarium it needs spirulina-based pellets, nori seaweed and protein supplements (mysis, small krill).

Water Quality: Typical marine reef water: SG 1.023-1.025, pH stably above 8.1, excellent alkalinity and pollutants close to zero.

Compatibility and Tankmates: "Reef-Safe with caution". There is a constant risk that it may turn on large polyp stony corals (LPS) or the mantle of tridacna clams, nipping them to death. Excellent in FOWLR tanks or with distasteful soft corals.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely complex, but some professional breeders have succeeded. They release pelagic eggs into open water at sunset, preceded by a frantic ascent towards the surface.

Risks and Diseases: Prone to contract Oodinium (marine velvet) or Cryptocaryon irritans (marine Ich) during the very first months of acclimation, caused by territorial stress or drops in the immune system post-capture.