Common name: Herald's Angelfish

General Information

The Herald's Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge heraldi, is a vibrant addition to the marine aquarium trade. With its striking yellow coloration and compact size, it's a favorite among aquarists looking for a splash of color in their tanks. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region, where it inhabits coral-rich lagoons and outer reef slopes.

Herald's Angelfish is particularly appreciated for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced hobbyists. Its bright yellow hue and lively swimming patterns make it a captivating centerpiece in any marine aquarium.

Care

Caring for the Herald's Angelfish is relatively straightforward, making it suitable for aquarists with moderate experience. It thrives in well-established reef tanks with plenty of live rock, which provides both grazing opportunities and hiding spots. While it can adapt to a range of water conditions, maintaining stable parameters is crucial for its health.

Herald's Angelfish can be housed in tanks of at least 200 liters, allowing ample space for swimming and exploration. Providing a tank with a variety of rock formations and crevices will help mimic its natural habitat and reduce stress.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, the Herald's Angelfish feeds primarily on algae, small invertebrates, and detritus. In captivity, it should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and finely chopped seafood. Supplementing their diet with algae-based foods will help maintain their vibrant coloration.

Feed them small portions two to three times a day, ensuring that they consume the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Behavior and Compatibility

Herald's Angelfish is generally peaceful but can exhibit semi-aggressive behavior, particularly towards other dwarf angelfish. It is best kept singly or as a solitary species in smaller tanks to prevent territorial disputes. However, in larger aquariums, it can coexist with other peaceful species.

While not considered reef-safe, it may nip at soft corals and clam mantles, so caution is advised when housing them in reef setups.

Reproduction

Breeding Herald's Angelfish in captivity is challenging and rarely achieved. They are pelagic spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. Successful breeding requires precise conditions and a deep understanding of marine fish breeding techniques.

Health and Common Issues

With proper care, Herald's Angelfish can live up to 5-7 years in captivity. Regular monitoring of water quality, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment are essential to their well-being.

When selecting a Herald's Angelfish, look for active individuals with bright coloration and no signs of fin damage or disease. Quarantining new additions and maintaining optimal tank conditions can help prevent common marine ailments such as ich and fin rot.

Habitat

In the wild, Herald's Angelfish is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Hawaiian Islands. It prefers coral-rich environments and is often seen swimming among the reefs at depths of up to 30 meters. Replicating this habitat in captivity involves providing plenty of live rock and maintaining stable water conditions.