Common name: Keyhole angelfish

Scientific name: Centropyge tibicen (Cuvier, 1831)

General information

The Keyhole Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge tibicen, is a small and attractive marine fish that is popular among aquarists. Its body is predominantly a dark blue or black color with a distinctive 'keyhole' marking on the side, which is a lighter blue or white. This species is part of the Pomacanthidae family, which includes other angelfish.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
100 liter (26 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
Temperature
24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
15 cm (6″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Adaptable but needs hiding spots
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
Social
Pair Can be kept in pairs if introduced together
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at clam mantles, soft corals
Captive bred
Yes Available as captive-bred

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Angelfishes
    Pomacanthidae
  6. Genus
    Dwarf Angelfishes
    Centropyge Kaup, 1860
  7. Species
    Keyhole angelfish
    Centropyge tibicen (Cuvier, 1831)
  8. Synonyms
    Centropyge tibicens (Cuvier, 1831)
    Holacanthus leucopleura Bleeker, 1853
    Holacanthus tibicen Cuvier, 1831
    Xiphipops tibicen (Cuvier, 1831)

Care

Keyhole Angelfish are moderately easy to care for but do require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks, so it's important to introduce them to the aquarium last. They thrive in a stable environment with consistent water quality. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Keyhole Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is no longer present. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with a well-maintained environment and a compatible pair, it is possible. The pair will engage in a courtship dance before spawning.

Habitat

Keyhole Angelfish are found in the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the Bahamas, south to Brazil. They prefer reef environments with abundant coral and rocky substrates, typically at depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters. In the aquarium, they require ample space to swim and plenty of structure to mimic their natural habitat.