Tropical Fish Species

Saltwater and Marine Species:

Dwarf (Pygmy) Angelfish

Dwarf Angelfish

Dwarf angelfish picture - species centropyge loricula.

Like little gems, these brilliantly colored fishes are sought after by many aquarists, novice and expert alike. Found in coral reefs throughout the world, Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish are not only beautiful but hardy as well. Although they vary in size, the largest species may reach a length of 5-6 inches while some of the smaller species grow to no more than 1-2 inches. In the wild, they usually live in pairs (though some species are solitary) and mainly feed on algae and other tiny plant and animal life among the coral outcroppings.

In the home aquarium, Dwarf Angels should be provided with lots of rocks and caves to hide in. Preferably live rock should be used so that they have a supply of algae and other flora and fauna to graze on. They will usually accept all types of food such as brine shrimp and bloodworms but their diet should also include a lot of vegetable matter such as algae sheets (nori) and other specially prepared food for herbivores.

Although you may be tempted to keep more than one Dwarf Angel, it is not recommended unless you have a very large tank because these fish can be quite territorial and quarrelsome toward each other.

Successful breeding of Dwarf Angels is extremely challenging. These fish are hermaphroditic, born as females with the dominant fish changing sex to males. Although males are generally larger than females, it is difficult to tell the difference between the sexes.

Spawning takes place when a male and female release sperm and eggs in the water column above the reef. The fry then go through a very complex larval stage that makes them quite difficult to feed and rear in captivity.

TankConditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4; dKH 8-12

Compatibility: Anglers, Anthias, Basslets, Batfish, Blennies, Boxfish, Butterflies, Chromis, Clownfish, Damsels, Dragonets, Eels, Foxface, Groupers, Grunts, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Lions, Scorpions, Parrotfish, Puffers, Squirrelfish, Tangs, Surgeons, Wrasse, Live Rock and Sand.

Marine Angelfish Articles:

Articles under this section by Scott W. Michael

Pygmy angelfish in reef tanks. Are these fish a threat to your invertebrates?

Looking at their natural diets, it would seem as though they would pose no threat to sessile invertebrates. However, most of these angelfish do feed on detritus, and coral slime falls into this category. So, although they usually do not feed directly on coral polyps, they will graze on the slime they exude.

Pygmy angelfish aggression and compatibility. Because the members of this group are small, they are often housed in small aquariums, which is the worst thing you could possibly do if you plan on keeping passive fish (e.g., seahorses, pipefishes, batfishes, leopard wrasses, flasher wrasses, highfin shrimp gobies, fire gobies, dart gobies) in the same tank.

Pygmy angelfish selection and health. Some specimens, especially those taken from deeper water (e.g., multicolor angelfish), may be injured when they are brought to the surface. This can lead to internal infections that cause the sides of the fish to swell and then burst.

Pygmy angels captive breeding. If you want to try and breed pygmy angels, the aquarium should be at least 75 gallons and should contain a lot of rockwork and/or artificial coral to provide ample shelter sites.

Angelfish Care:

If you want to keep more than one pygmy angelfish in the same aquarium, you will have greater success if your aquarium is 70 gallons or more and is packed with hiding places.

they should not be exposed to the physical stresses of a newly established marine tank. The aquarium should be set up and running for three or four months before adding any species of angelfish. This ensures that the nitrogen cycle in the tank has been completed and the levels of ammonia and nitrite are so low as to be immeasurable.

Acclimating Angelfish is very important, as these fish have been known to go into shock.

Before purchasing a pygmy angelfish, examine the sides of the fish very carefully for raised scales or red areas.