Barred Angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widespread across the tropical Indo-Pacific, from the eastern Indian Ocean (Cocos-Keeling) to the Philippines, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef, and Society Islands. Inhabits steep outer slopes and caves at depths of 20 to 70 meters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Historically classified as Centropyge multifasciata, currently placed in Paracentropyge due to its deeper body profile. Grows to a maximum length of about 12 cm.

Social Behavior: Cryptic and diurnal. Usually found singly or in small groups in dark caves, often swimming upside down against the ceilings.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Silvery-white body marked by 8 distinct, vertical black bars. Yellow highlights are present on the chest and pelvic region. No visible sexual dimorphism.

Aquarium Setup: Demands an established tank of at least 200 liters with plenty of live rock arranged to create caves and dark overhangs. A tight-fitting lid is highly recommended.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivore. Feeds on sponges, microalgae, and detritus. Difficult to acclimate to aquarium diets; feed fine frozen mysis, brine shrimp, and sponge-based foods 3–4 times daily.

Water Quality: Requires stable marine parameters. Temperature 22–26°C, pH 8.1–8.4, salinity SG 1.020–1.025, GH 15–25, and KH 8–12. Keep organic wastes and nitrates low.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful with passive tankmates. Can be kept in pairs or small harems in larger tanks if introduced together. Reef-safe with caution due to potential coral nipping.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely difficult and rarely documented in home aquariums. Broadcast spawners in nature.

Risks and Diseases: High risk of starvation if it refuses food. Highly susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and external parasites if stressed or water conditions decline.