Multicolor Angelfish

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Central Pacific: Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Cook Islands, and Society Islands. Inhabits steep, deep outer reef slopes and rubble zones from 20 to 115 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Pomacanthidae. It is a dwarf angelfish (genus Centropyge). Reaches a maximum standard length of 9 cm.

Social Behavior: Lives in small harems consisting of one dominant male and up to four females. Highly active and territorial towards similar-looking species.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a yellow forehead, white-ivory mid-body, yellow tail, a dark blue patch behind the eye, and electric blue accents on the fins. Males are slightly larger than females.

Aquarium Setup: Requires a tank of at least 150 liters. Provide extensive live rockwork to create caves, crevices, and hiding spots.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Feeds on algae, detritus, and micro-invertebrates. Provide a varied diet of spirulina, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets.

Water Quality: Maintain stable marine parameters: temperature 23-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity SG 1.020-1.025. Standard reef filtration is recommended.

Compatibility and Cohabitation: Reef safe with caution. May nip at LPS corals and clam mantles. Do not house with similar dwarf angelfish species.

Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Spawning in captivity is extremely rare due to the challenges of raising pelagic larvae.

Risks and Diseases: Susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) if stressed. Acclimate slowly in a quiet environment.