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The Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops), often called the African Flameback or African Pygmy Angelfish, is a striking and highly active dwarf species featuring a deep sapphire-blue body contrasted by a brilliant neon orange-to-yellow cape running from its snout down its entire back. It is one of the smallest dwarf angel species available, making it incredibly popular for smaller reef systems where its vibrant, hard-edged coloration brings massive visual impact to rockwork structures.
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 30 to 40 gallons; its compact size makes it well-suited for smaller setups, though sufficient water volume helps stabilize parameters.
Aquarium Decor: Elaborate live rock networks featuring tiny crevasses, swim-through caves, and abundant surfaces for continuous microalgae grazing.
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: Omnivorous; relies heavily on natural microalgae grazing but requires daily supplementary feedings of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, and specialized angelfish preparations containing sponge matter.
Reef Safe Rating: Reef safe with caution; it is generally considered safer than larger dwarf angels like the Eibli, but hungry individuals may still pick at soft coral polyps, zooanthids, or clam mantles.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; while small, it can become highly territorial over its favorite rock cave, especially toward other small bottom-dwellers or similar blue/orange fish added after it is established.
The Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops), often called the African Flameback or African Pygmy Angelfish, is a striking and highly active dwarf species featuring a deep sapphire-blue body contrasted by a brilliant neon orange-to-yellow cape running from its snout down its entire back. It is one of the smallest dwarf angel species available, making it incredibly popular for smaller reef systems where its vibrant, hard-edged coloration brings massive visual impact to rockwork structures.
Tank Requirements
Minimum Tank Size: 30 to 40 gallons; its compact size makes it well-suited for smaller setups, though sufficient water volume helps stabilize parameters.
Aquarium Decor: Elaborate live rock networks featuring tiny crevasses, swim-through caves, and abundant surfaces for continuous microalgae grazing.
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: Omnivorous; relies heavily on natural microalgae grazing but requires daily supplementary feedings of high-quality marine flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, and specialized angelfish preparations containing sponge matter.
Reef Safe Rating: Reef safe with caution; it is generally considered safer than larger dwarf angels like the Eibli, but hungry individuals may still pick at soft coral polyps, zooanthids, or clam mantles.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; while small, it can become highly territorial over its favorite rock cave, especially toward other small bottom-dwellers or similar blue/orange fish added after it is established.