Pearlscale angelfish

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Marshall Islands, Vanuatu, and Japan. Inhabits coral-rich reefs.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Member of the Pomacanthidae family. Possesses an oval body shape and preopercular cheek spine. Grows up to 12 cm (4.7 inches).

Social Behavior: Active and territorial. Naturally forms small harems. Defends its immediate shelter and grazing grounds in home aquaria.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Body color fades from pearly grey at the front to jet black on the posterior portion. Fins are edged in brilliant blue neon. Males are larger.

Aquarium Setup: Minimum aquarium size of 150 liters (40 gallons). Furnish with stable live rock configurations creating caves and pathways for grazing.

Diet and Feeding: Omnivorous. Grazes on algae and organic detritus. Feed daily nori, 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 as it is known to nip at LPS, SPS, and soft corals. 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: Relatively hardy for a dwarf angelfish, but can contract marine ich under stressful tank conditions. Ensure high-quality nutrition.