Common name: Purplemask angelfish
General information
The Venustus Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge venusta, is a vibrant and captivating species popular among marine aquarists. This species is part of the dwarf angelfish group and is renowned for its striking coloration, which includes a vivid blue back and a yellow to orange front, separated by a distinctive purple mask across the eyes.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 100 liter (26 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.025
- 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 Sensitive to water quality.
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet; include algae.
- Social
- Pair Pairs or small groups.
- Reefsafe
- Yes
- Aggression
- Peaceful
- Captive bred
- Yes Some success in home aquaria.
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusDwarf AngelfishesCentropyge Kaup, 1860
- SpeciesPurplemask angelfishCentropyge venusta (Yasuda & Tominaga, 1969)
- SynonymsHolacanthus venustus Yasuda & Tominaga, 1969Paracentropyge venusta (Yasuda & Tominaga, 1969)Sumireyakko venustus (Yasuda & Tominaga, 1969)
Care
Venustus Angelfish require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are known to nip at stony and soft corals, so they are best kept in a fish-only or a reef tank with caution. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their color and health.
Reproduction
Like many marine angelfish, Venustus Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they are born female and can change to male if the dominant male is removed. They are difficult to breed in captivity, with successful breeding typically occurring in larger systems with stable, well-maintained water conditions.
Habitat
Native to the Western Pacific, specifically around the Ryukyu Islands, Taiwan, and the Philippines, Venustus Angelfish are found at depths ranging from 5 to 30 meters. They prefer coral-rich areas and clear lagoons where they can graze on algae and small invertebrates.