Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge Acanthops)

The Flameback Angelfish is a vibrant and hardy species, known for its striking bright blue body and fiery orange to yellow back. This dwarf angelfish makes a stunning addition to any reef or marine tank and is well-suited for smaller systems due to its compact size.

Care Information

• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches.
• Tank Size: 30 gallons minimum, with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing.
• Diet: Omnivorous; requires a varied diet that includes high-quality marine pellets, spirulina, and meaty foods like mysis shrimp.
• Water Temp: 72-78°F.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025.
• Aggression: Semi-aggressive; may become territorial, especially towards other angelfish or similar species.
• Skill Level: Intermediate; requires a stable and well-maintained environment.
• Reef Compatibility: With caution. Flameback Angelfish are generally reef-safe but may nip at soft corals and clam mantles if not well-fed.

Color Variation by Locality

• Indian Ocean: The Indian Ocean variety of the Flameback Angelfish typically has a more intense orange or yellow coloration on its back, along with a deep blue body.
• Western Indian Ocean: In areas such as Madagascar, the coloration may be slightly more subdued, with the blue appearing darker and the orange more muted.

Typical Habitat

• Distribution: Native to the western Indian Ocean, primarily around the coasts of Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Comoros. This species is found in shallow coral reefs and rocky areas where it grazes on algae and small invertebrates​.