Genus

Common name: Dwarf Angelfishes

Scientific name: Centropyge Kaup, 1860

The genus Centropyge, commonly known as Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfishes, is a fascinating group of marine fish that are popular in the aquarium hobby due to their vibrant colors and relatively small size. These fish belong to the family Pomacanthidae and are typically found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, often inhabiting coral reefs and rocky crevices. Their small size, usually not exceeding 10 cm in length, makes them suitable for medium-sized aquariums, unlike their larger angelfish relatives.

Dwarf Angelfish are renowned for their dazzling array of colors and patterns, which can range from bright yellows and blues to deep reds and purples. Each species within the genus has its own unique coloration, making them highly sought after by hobbyists looking to add a splash of color to their tanks. However, their beauty comes with some challenges, as they can be somewhat territorial and may nip at corals and other invertebrates, making them less suitable for reef aquariums unless carefully monitored.

In terms of care, Centropyge species require a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of hiding spaces and live rock to mimic their natural habitat. They require a varied diet that includes both algae-based foods and protein sources like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp. Given their territorial nature, it's advisable to house them with other peaceful fish and avoid keeping multiple dwarf angelfish together unless the aquarium is large enough to accommodate their space needs.

Scientifically, Centropyge species are interesting due to their protogynous hermaphroditism, where individuals start as females and can transform into males if required by social dynamics. This adaptation is beneficial in the wild, where maintaining a balanced sex ratio is crucial for reproduction. For aquarists, understanding this behavior is important when considering the social structure of their tank inhabitants.

  1. African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)
    Common name: African Flameback Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge acanthops
  2. Cherub Angelfish (Centropyge argi) from the Caribbean
    Common name: Cherub Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge argi
  3. Golden Angelfish (Centropyge aurantia)
    Common name: Golden Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge aurantia
  4. Common name: Flameback Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge aurantonotus
  5. Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)
    Common name: Bicolor Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge bicolor
  6. Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)
    Common name: Coral Beauty Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge bispinosa
  7. Peppermint Angelfish (Centropyge boylei)
    Common name: Peppermint Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge boylei
  8. Colin’s Angelfish (Centropyge colini)
    Common name: Colin's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge colini
  9. Common name: Blue Mauritius Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge debelius
  10. Eibli Angelfish (Centropyge eibli)
    Common name: Eibli Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge eibli
  11. Rusty Angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) in Japan
    Common name: Rusty Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge ferrugata
  12. Fisher's Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)
    Common name: Fisher's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge fisheri
  13. Common name: Yellowfin Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge flavipectoralis
  14. Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus) feeding on coral polyps. Kritimati Island, Kribati
    Common name: Lemonpeel Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge flavissima
  15. Herald's Angelfish (Centropyge heraldi)
    Common name: Herald's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge heraldi
  16. Common name: Blackear Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge hotumatua
  17. The Beautiful Japanese Angelfish (Centropyge interruptus), Hirizohama Beach
    Common name: Japanese Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge interrupta
  18. Joculator Angelfish (Centropyge joculator)
    Common name: Joculator Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge joculator
  19. Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula), Kosrae Micronesia
    Common name: Flame Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge loriculus
  20. Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)
    Common name: Multicolor Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge multicolor
  21. Common name: Dusky Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge multispinis
  22. Common name: Nahacky's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge nahackyi
  23. Common name: Narc Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge narcosis
  24. Common name: Blackspot Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge nigriocella
  25. Common name: Midnight Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge nox
  26. Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri) from Hawaii
    Common name: Potter's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge potteri
  27. Common name: Resplendent Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge resplendens
  28. Common name: Shepard's Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge shepardi
  29. A lovely Keyhole Angelfish (Centropyge tibicen)
    Common name: Keyhole Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge tibicen
  30. Juvenile Purplemask Angelfish (Centropyge venusta)
    Common name: Purplemask Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge venusta
  31. Pearlscale Angelfish (Centropyge vrolikii)
    Common name: Pearlscale Angelfish
    Scientific name: Centropyge vrolikii