Reef Safe Dwarf Angelfish
All dwarf angels can be kept in a Reef tank, and having live rocks is the best environment for them in terms of shelter and foraging. However, some inverts should not be introduced to the aquarium as they will tempt the angels to nibble on them.
i. Flame Angelfish
The Flame Angelfish (going by the scientific name of Centropyge loriculus) is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish for
beginners and expert aquarists alike. The bold orange/red color, vertical black stripes on the body and blue-tipped fins makes it
the centrepiece of any saltwater reef tank
Reef-Compatibility Cautions : Flame Angels can be kept with invertebrates and corals, but it can nip occasionally on LPS corals, tridacnid clam mantles, zoanthids and soft corals.
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
- Mature Size: About 4 inches
- Care Difficulty: Moderate
- Diet: Omnivore
ii. Coral Beauty
The Coral Beauty is another popular saltwater angelfish among hobbyists because it has beautiful colors and it’s also
hardy. The colors it has depends on the natural habitat, but common colorations include orange, red or yellow bodies with tails,
edges and fins with purple or darker blue shades.
Reef-Compatibility Cautions :
The Coral Beauty has a varied dietary need, and that’s why it has been seen eating clams or soft fleshy corals. However this is a
case-by-case situation and definitely not the rule. Feeding the fish as often as possible with a variety of food should keep it
away from munching on softies or clams.
- Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
- Mature Size: About 4 inches
- Care Difficulty: Moderate
- Diet: Omnivore
iii. Lemonpeel Angelfish
One of the most gorgeous dwarf angelfish, the Lemonpeel Angelfish has a beautiful color combination that draws all the
attention in the reef tank. It has a bright yellow body with sky-blue highlights around the eyes and on the fins.
Reef-Compatibility Cautions:
The Lemonpeel Angelfish is a solitary fish and can be aggressive towards other angelfish. If you place two males in a tank
they will fight to the death.
This species is known for nipping on tridacnid clam mantles, LPS corals and zoas, therefore you can’t trust it completely when
these invertebrates are present in the tank.
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon
- Mature Size: Up to 5.5 inches
- Care Difficulty: Intermediate
- Diet: Omnivore
iv. Flameback Angelfish
The Flameback Angelfish (or African Pygmy Angelfish) has striking contrasts of orange-yellow and blue colors. The
body color is blue, with a broad orange-yellow patch from the head along the back.
Reef-Compatibility Cautions :
This species is some of the most suited for a reef tank aquarium, but cautious should be applied when adding it with
meaty brain type corals (Trachyphyllia or Cynarina).
- Minimum Tank Size: 24 gallon
- Mature Size: Up to 3 inches
- Care Difficulty: Beginner
- Diet: Omnivore
v. Joculator Angelfish
Another hardy but rare dwarf Angelfish, the Joculator Angelfish can only be found around Christmas Islands and the
Cocos. If you are lucky and find this purchase, it will be a great addition to your reef aquarium, especially if you have live
rocks in it.
Reef-Compatibility Cautions:
While they are not often caught eating corals, the general consensus is that you need to give them frequent and adequate food
to keep them from doing it. They will not tolerate their own species or fish with similar coloration.
- Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
- Mature Size: 3.5 inches
- Care Difficulty: Intermediate
- Diet: Omnivore
vi. Cherub Angelfish
It is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish, and also the smallest one. Cherub Angelfish is a great addition for small
aquariums. It has the same level of aggression as the Flameback Angelfish, therefore you need to keep one per tank.
Reef-Compatibility Cautions:
It’s not known for nipping clam mantles or corals, but caution is still recommended when added to a reef tank, as it is a
Centropyge Angelfish afterall.
- Minimum Tank Size: 24 gallons
- Mature Size: 3 inches
- Care Difficulty: Beginner
- Diet: Omnivore
Conclusion
Setting up a marine aquarium at home may seem daunting, but with the right equipment from Ishrav India and careful planning, you can create a stunning underwater world in your living space. Visit www.ishrav.in today to start your marine aquarium journey.
Author introduction
U N Goswami is a marine fish and reef expert with over 20 years of experience. His specialization includes the study and conservation of coral reefs and marine fish species. With a deep understanding of reef ecosystems and fish behavior, Goswami has played a crucial role in advancing knowledge and promoting sustainable management practices to protect marine biodiversity.
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Verry Nice and wonderful Blog, good information.