Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
Image 1 of 1
The Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula), also known as the Flame Angel, is arguably the most iconic and visually spectacular dwarf angelfish species in the marine hobby. It features an intensely brilliant, fiery orange-to-red body contrasted by vertical jet-black bars along its flanks and electric-blue highlighted margins on its rear dorsal and anal fins. Highly coveted for introducing an unparalleled splash of warm color to a marine aquarium, it is a robust and active swimmer that continuously explores rockwork, making it a spectacular centerpiece for both mid-sized reefs and fish-only systems.
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger; a generous horizontal footprint is critical to give it adequate space to establish a territory and minimize structural aggression.
Aquarium Decor: Abundant networks of mature live rock configured with multiple caves, overhangs, and swim-through tunnels to provide shelter and an ongoing supply of natural microalgae.
Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C).
Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.020 – 1.025.
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4.
Care and Feeding
Diet: Omnivore; thrives on a varied daily menu consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, high-quality marine flakes, dried marine algae sheets (nori), and specialized angelfish preparations containing natural sponge matter to preserve its fiery red pigments.
Reef Safe Rating: Reef safe with caution; while it primarily grazes on natural biofilm, it can become a persistent nipper of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, soft corals, zoanthids, and fleshy clam mantles if it feels underfed or bored.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; keep only one specimen per aquarium. It will aggressively defend its territory against other dwarf angelfish or new tank mates added after it that share a similar body shape or intense red coloration, meaning it should be introduced as one of the final additions to a community tank.
The Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula), also known as the Flame Angel, is arguably the most iconic and visually spectacular dwarf angelfish species in the marine hobby. It features an intensely brilliant, fiery orange-to-red body contrasted by vertical jet-black bars along its flanks and electric-blue highlighted margins on its rear dorsal and anal fins. Highly coveted for introducing an unparalleled splash of warm color to a marine aquarium, it is a robust and active swimmer that continuously explores rockwork, making it a spectacular centerpiece for both mid-sized reefs and fish-only systems.
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger; a generous horizontal footprint is critical to give it adequate space to establish a territory and minimize structural aggression.
Aquarium Decor: Abundant networks of mature live rock configured with multiple caves, overhangs, and swim-through tunnels to provide shelter and an ongoing supply of natural microalgae.
Temperature: 72°F – 78°F (22°C – 26°C).
Salinity (Specific Gravity): 1.020 – 1.025.
pH Range: 8.1 – 8.4.
Care and Feeding
Diet: Omnivore; thrives on a varied daily menu consisting of frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, high-quality marine flakes, dried marine algae sheets (nori), and specialized angelfish preparations containing natural sponge matter to preserve its fiery red pigments.
Reef Safe Rating: Reef safe with caution; while it primarily grazes on natural biofilm, it can become a persistent nipper of large polyp stony (LPS) corals, soft corals, zoanthids, and fleshy clam mantles if it feels underfed or bored.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; keep only one specimen per aquarium. It will aggressively defend its territory against other dwarf angelfish or new tank mates added after it that share a similar body shape or intense red coloration, meaning it should be introduced as one of the final additions to a community tank.