Encyclopaedia
Narcosis Angelfish
Centropyge narcosis
A marine fish species of the family Pomacanthidae, valued by aquarists for its interesting behavior and beautiful coloration.
- Family
- Pomacanthidae
- Origin
- Oceano Pacifico meridionale, Cook Islands. Specie di profondità (100-120 metri) associata a pareti ripide.
- Origin
- Tropical oceans and reefs
- Tank use
- Used in 0 tanks
Share
19 °C - 23 °C
8.1 - 8.4
Marine
Middle
8 cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Southern Pacific Ocean, Cook Islands. Deep-water species (100-120 meters) associated with steep drop-offs. Typically found in shallow waters and reef areas rich in hiding places.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Belongs to the family Pomacanthidae. Characterized by a body structure adapted to its active lifestyle, showing bright coloration. Size up to 8.0 cm.
Social Behavior: Active species with a semi-aggressive temperament. Shows moderate to high territorial habits depending on sex and population density.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Males and females display visible differences in color pattern and vibrancy, especially during the courtship phase.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: Requires a marine tank of at least 39 gallons (approx. 150.0 liters), decorated with live rocks to provide natural shelter. For sand-dwelling wrasses, a fine sand bed of at least 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) is essential.
Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Sponges and tunicates constitute its natural diet. In captivity, requires frozen foods and specialized feeds. It is recommended to feed the fish two or three times daily in small portions.
Water Quality: Stable parameters: temperature 19.0-23.0°C, pH 8.1-8.4, SG stable between 1.020 and 1.025. Monitored nitrates and phosphates.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Compatible with reef fish. Avoid housing with larger predators or highly aggressive tankmates.
Aquarium Breeding: Protogynous hermaphrodite. Pelagic spawning in deep waters. No records of aquarium reproduction exist.
Risks and Diseases: Hardy species but sensitive to common skin parasites (Cryptocaryon) if chemical stress occurs.
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Diet
- Omnivorous. Sponges and tunicates constitute its natural diet. In captivity, requires frozen foods and specialized feeds.
- Tank level
- Middle
- Minimum group
- 1
- Adult size
- 8 cm
- Minimum tank volume
- 150 L
- GH
- n/a
- KH
- n/a
- TDS
- n/a
- Conductivity
- n/a
- Sex ratio
- Singolo
- Feeding frequency
- Giornaliera
- Bioload
- Medium
- Flow
- Medium
- Reproduction
- Ermafrodita protogino. Accoppiamento pelagico in acque profonde. Non si hanno notizie di riproduzione in acquario.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Timido e solitario. Può essere ospitato con pesci pacifici di acque profonde. Può danneggiare coralli LPS delicati.
Ecological Estimates & Biological Models
- Trophic level
- 2.8 ± 0.3 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.0302, b = 2.89
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Other recommended species with similar care requirements and water parameters.





