Common name: Barred angelfish

Scientific name: Paracentropyge multifasciata (Smith & Radcliffe, 1911)
Multi barred angelfish, Paracentropyge multifasciata, Raja Ampat IndonesiaMultibarred Angelfish (Centropyge multifasciatus ). PNG masked background.
Yellow Bar AngelfishYellow Bar Angelfish, Pomacanthus maculosus, also known as the Map Angelfish

General information

The Multibar Angelfish, Paracentropyge multifasciata, is a small, strikingly patterned marine angelfish that is highly sought after in the reef aquarium trade. Its body is adorned with numerous vertical bars, giving it a distinctive and attractive appearance. This species is known for its shy and reclusive nature, often hiding among rockwork and crevices.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
150 liter (40 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
10 cm (4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Sensitive to water quality changes.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. mysis, spirulina.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
Yes
Aggression
Semi aggresive May nip at clam mantles, soft corals.
Captive bred
No

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
    Pygmy Angelfish
    Paracentropyge
  7. Species
    Barred angelfish
    Paracentropyge multifasciata (Smith & Radcliffe, 1911)
  8. Synonyms
    Centropyge multifasciatus (Smith & Radcliffe, 1911)
    Holacanthus multifasciatus Smith & Radcliffe, 1911

Care

Caring for Multibar Angelfish can be challenging due to their specific dietary and environmental needs. They require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. A varied diet of marine sponges, algae, and meaty foods is essential for their health. Due to their timid nature, they should be housed with peaceful tank mates and provided with a stress-free environment.

Reproduction

In the wild, Multibar Angelfish are known to form harems consisting of one male and several females. Breeding in captivity is rare, but with optimal conditions, they may spawn. The eggs are pelagic, drifting in the water column until hatching.

Habitat

Paracentropyge multifasciata is found in the Western Pacific, from the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef. They prefer steep outer reef slopes and drop-offs, typically at depths ranging from 10 to 70 meters. In the aquarium, replicating their natural habitat with ample rockwork and open swimming space is beneficial.