Rusty angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Western Pacific: from southern Japan (Ryukyu Islands) to Taiwan and the Philippines. Inhabits rocky reefs and coral-dense areas.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Part of the Pomacanthidae family. Oval-shaped compressed body with preopercular cheek spine. Grows up to 10 cm (4 inches).

Social Behavior: Bold and active. Grazes constantly on rock surfaces. Territorial towards other dwarf angelfishes in home systems.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body displays a rusty reddish-orange hue dotted with dark brown or black markings. Outer margins of the fins are highlighted in neon blue. Males are larger.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 120 liters (30 gallons) with plenty of live rock arranged with caves and crawl spaces to promote grazing.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feed daily dried nori sheets, spirulina pellets, and frozen mysis or brine shrimp.

Water Quality: Keep standard marine parameters stable: temperature 24-27°C (75-81°F), pH 8.1-8.4, specific gravity 1.020-1.025, and KH 8-12.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Caution is advised in reef displays, as it may nip at fleshy LPS corals and clam mantles. Best kept as the sole dwarf angelfish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Unrecorded in domestic systems due to broadcast spawning habits and difficult pelagic larval stages.

Risks and Diseases: One of the hardiest dwarf angelfishes. Still susceptible to marine ich under stressful conditions. Maintain diverse nutrition.