Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus)

The Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Turban snail, Mexican Turbo Grazer, Trochus Snail, Gulf Turban, Eastern Pacific Turban, Wavy Turban, or Top Shell Snail is a ravenous algae eater native to the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico.  Their range extends from Cedros Island, Baja California to Peru; including the Galapagos and Tres Marias Islands.

Mexican turbo snails are commonly found along coral reefs in the mud and sand substrates of the intertidal zone under and attached to rocks and dead corals where new growths of fresh algae is most abundant. They can also be found in the crevices of reefs and boulders where they find refuge from predators.

Among it’s preferred habitat, moderately exposed coral reef shore, the optimum depth for Mexican Turbo Snails is from 2 to 33 feet, and infrequently as deep as 40 feet.

Juvenile Turbo fluctuosa prefer living in sandy bottom substrates of shallower intertidal reef flats and in fine rubble bottoms near growths of moderately exposed coral.

Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus)

The Mexican Turbo Snail has a thick, domed, spiral shaped shell that consists of five rounded (with angled shoulder) whorls, and can grow to over 2 inches in size.   The base is slightly convex with an oval operculum.  Their eyes (detect motion and light) are located directly behind their two small tentacles.

Although Mexican Turbo Snails are found in a variety of colors; reddish brown, light brown, orange, olive green, orange with white/cream and dark brown mottling are the most common.

Mexican Turbo Snails are gonochoric (separate male and female individuals), without any external sexual

Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus)

dimorphism.

Mexican Turbo Snails (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus) are excellent scavengers that have a ravenous appetite for algae, especially hair algae.   They are highly esteemed by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts for their service as “clean up crew” members and are one of the most popular marine snails in the hobby.

Although Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus are not very shy; they are peaceful, slow moving, and non aggressive.   When attacked by aggressive fish or crabs, they simply hunker down inside their shell or bury themselves in the sand.

The reef safe Mexican Turbo Snail is best housed in a well established reef aquarium with a sandy or fine gravel substrate and plenty of aged live rock for them to graze on arranged into hiding places with sufficient room for them to roam.   In addition to being the best algae eaters and scavengers in the hobby, these snails are great at aerating the sandy substrate in your tank.

They also do well in a live rock fish only tank with peaceful tank mates like dwarf shrimp and small, non carnivorous fish.

Mexican Turbo Snails are compatible with Pederson Cleaner Shrimps, Sexy Shrimp, Red Fire shrimp (Lysmata debelius), Peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni), Skunk Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), and snails like Bumble Bee Snail, Fighting Conch Snail, Cerith snails, Margarita snails (Margarites pupillus), Astrea Turbo Snails, Trochus Snails, etc.

Mexican Turbo Snails are frequently sold as members of clean up crews that will remove algae and clean the aquarium glass in your tank, however, because of their large adult size, they are not climbers like other smaller shelled species.   Like Astrea snails, Mexican Turbo snails have a hard time righting themselves once they are knocked upside down and often need help from their owners.  This is why they should not be housed with orange Claw Hermit Crabs (Calcinus tibicen).   These crabs have a preference for occupying Astraea and Mexican Turbo snail shells, making them easy prey for an upside down snail. Coral banded shrimp can also be a bit too dangerous for these snails.

The Mexican Turbo Snail is a nocturnal species that becomes most active during low light and night time conditions. Their grazing activity picks up at dusk, continues throughout the night, and stops just before dawn. They will start grazing in the tank after the lights are turned off and regardless of the time of day, become active a few hours after being kept in darkness.   Despite their slow moving pace, they cover surprisingly large areas in their search for algae during their foraging activities.
Juveniles and smaller specimens are better climbers and usually more active than adults.

Like other invertebrates, the Mexican Turbo Snail is sensitive to copper and high nitrate levels. Like all marine fish, they require slow acclimation over 2 to 3 hours using the drip method.

The Mexican Turbo Snail is a broadcast spawner that reaches reproductive maturity at 6 – 8 months with fertilization taking place at night in the water column.   The male initiates spawning and the female spawn in response to the presence of seed in the water. (Click Here) Females release over a million unfertilized eggs (oocytes) over a period of 5 to 10 minutes. The eggs are fertilized (contaminated) with a transparent mucus, floating in the seawater that will eventually clear up in the tank.   Corals and other filter feeders quickly eat the particles that cloud the water.

Hatching occurs approximately 12 to 24 hours after fertilization, after the larvae reach the planktonic phase. The larvae come out as free swimming veligers and remain so for approximately 3 to 5 days before settling onto the reef substrate to begin grazing on fine filamentous algae and microorganisms.

The snail larvae gradually metamorphose to the crawling stage in 6 to 8 days.

The mortality rate for the fertilized eggs is very high and only a few will survive to become adults.
Fertilization, larval development, and larval metamorphosis is suppressed at salinities lower than 30‰.

In their natural habitat, Mexican Turbo Snails prefer feeding on algae and seaweed as well as cyanobacteria and diatoms in the sand. In an aquarium environment, they will feed on hair algae, slime (filamentous) algae, brown macroalgae, diatoms, cyanobacteria as well as any leftover shrimp or fish foods pellets, flakes, Spirulina wafers, frozen foods, etc. in the tank.

When sufficient food levels are not present in the aquarium, supplement their diet with vegetable based tablets or flake foods.

The Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus) is a common saltwater species that can be purchased almost anywhere at a cost of less than $1.00 to $5.00 each, at purchase sizes between 3/4″ to 2″.   They are frequently sold online to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as members of “cleanup crews” for reef tanks at even lower prices.

Due to the extreme heat in Mexico from July to September, Turbo fluctuosa are not normally harvested and are often not available for purchase. Astraea Turbo Snails (Lithopoma tectum) or the more sensitive Margarita snails (Margarites pupillus) make ideal substitutes during these periods.

Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus)

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Aquarium Type: Established Reef or LRFO
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 70-73°F, dKH 8 to 16, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 2″
Color Form: Light brown, reddish-brown, greenish, or orange with whitish and dark brown mottling
Diet: Specialty Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Origin: Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lesser Antilles
Family: Astraeinae
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Astraea Turbo Snail (Lithopoma tectum, Astraea tecta)

Astraea Turbo Snail (Lithopoma tectum) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as known as Turbo Snail, Astraea tecta, Top shell, Astraea Star Snail, Astraea Conehead Snail, West Indian Star snail, True Astrea Snail, Cat Eye Snail, Orange Cat Eye Snail, or Trochus shell is a ravenous algae eater found in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Lesser Antilles and in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Brazil.

Adult Astrea Turbo Snails are found in areas of turf algae along the outer reef flats and reef crests with abundant growths of stony corals at optimum depths between 3 ft and 33 ft, and occasionally as deep as 50 ft.
Juveniles prefer the shallower intertidal reef flats with growths of stony coral or rubble bottoms.

Both prefer environments where they can graze tough macroalgae and crustose like coralline algae growths found on hard substrates. The Astraea Turbo Snail (Lithopoma tectum) has a ravenous appetite for algae, especially hair algae.

There is a taxonomy problem with the Astrea snail that is normally not a problem with tropical fish keeping enthusiasts, but should be mentioned anyway.

The Astraea Snail commonly referred to as Astraea tecta, Top shell or Trochus shell, is in the Trochidae family, (a large family of marine gastropods mollusks of several hundred species) and is erroneous.   Instead, the synonymous name Trochus tectus, now known as Lithopoma tectum, is correctly used by biologists.

Regardless of misidentifications in the trade or what scientific name you call them, the Astraea Turbo Snail has a multitude of similar looking relatives like the Mexican Turbo Snail (Turbo fluctuosa, Turbo fluctuosus) and Fenestrate Top Snail (Tectus fenestratus), that are often sold to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Astrea Turbo snails.

Astraea Turbo Snail (Lithopoma tectum)

The primary color of the Astraea Turbo Snail shell is reddish orange, with white and olive green markings.   They have thick, elevated, broad conical turbinate shells with numerous small conspicuous spikes protruding from it in a spiral form, which give it a star like appearance.   The base is slightly convex with an oval operculum. Astrea Turbo Snails are gonochoric (separate male and female individuals), without any external sexual dimorphism.

Astraea Turbo Snails are docile, solitary, and obviously not aggressive.  Because they lack the means to attack other tank inhabitants and have only their shell and operculum for protection, they like a calm environment with other peaceful tank mates. They do not scare easily and when placed on the bottom of the tank will slowly crawl onto the live rock or corals to explore all the crevices in the tank.

The Astrea Turbo Snail is reef safe and best housed in a well established reef aquarium with plenty of aged live rock arranged into hiding places and sufficient room for them to roam. They also do well in a live rock fish only tank with peaceful tank mates like dwarf shrimp and small, non carnivorous fish.

Astrea Turbo Snails are compatible with Sexy Shrimp, Red Fire shrimp (Lysmata debelius), Peppermint shrimp (Lysmata wurdemanni), Skunk Cleaner shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), and snails like Bumble Bee Snail, Fighting Conch Snail, Cerith snails, Mexican turbo snails, Trochus Snails, etc.

Astrea Turbo Snails are often sold as members of “clean up crews” that will remove algae and clean the aquarium glass in marine tanks however, because of their adult size, they are not climbers like other smaller shelled species.   Astrea snails have a difficult time righting themselves once they are knocked upside down and often need help from their owners.   This is why Astrea Turbo Snails should never be housed with orange Claw Hermit Crabs (Calcinus tibicen).

Orange Claw Hermit Crabs crabs have a preference for occupying Astraea shells and are easy prey for an upside down Astrea.   Coral banded shrimp can also be a bit too dangerous for these snails.

Astrea Turbo Snails are largely nocturnal.  Their grazing activity picks up at dusk, continues throughout the night, and stops just before dawn.   Juveniles and smaller specimens are usually more active than adults and are better climbers.

Like other invertebrates, the Astraea Turbo Snail is sensitive to copper and high nitrate levels.   Like all marine fish, they require slow acclimation over 2 to 3 hours using the drip method.

The Astraea Turbo Snail is a broadcast spawner that reaches reproductive maturity at 6 – 8 months with fertilization taking place at night in the water column. The male initiates spawning and the female spawn in response to the presence of seed in the water.   (Click Here)  Females release over a million unfertilized eggs (oocytes) over a period of 5 to 10 minutes. The eggs are fertilized (contaminated) with a transparent mucus, floating in the seawater that will eventually clear up in the tank.   Corals and other filter feeders quickly eat the particles that cloud the water.

Hatching occurs approximately 12 to 24 hours after fertilization, after the larvae reach the planktonic phase. The larvae come out as free swimming veligers and remain so for approximately 3 to 5 days before settling onto the reef substrate to begin grazing on fine filamentous algae and microorganisms.

Astrea snail larvae will gradually metamorphose to the crawling stage at 6 to 8 days.  The mortality rate for the fertilized eggs is very high and only a few survive to become adults.

Fertilization, larval development, and larval metamorphosis is suppressed at salinities lower than 30‰.

In their natural habitat, Astraea Turbo Snails prefer feeding on nuisance hair algae, as well as cyanobacteria and diatoms.   In an aquarium environment, they will also feed on leftover shrimp or fish foods pellets, flakes, Spirulina wafers, frozen foods, etc.

When sufficient food levels are not present in the aquarium, their diet should be supplemented with blanched spinach or lettuce and vegetable based tablets or flake foods.

The Astraea Turbo Snail (Lithopoma tectum, Astraea tecta) is not a rare saltwater species and can be purchased almost anywhere at prices as low as $1.00 to $5.00 each.   They are often sold online to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as members of “cleanup crews” for reef tanks at even lower prices.

Astrea snails occasionally carry pests in the form of tiny parasitic Pyramid snails which can in rare instances even kill their host; so check your snails and remove any parasites prior to introduction.

Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Aquarium Type: Established Reef or LRFO
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 71-75°F, dKH 7 to 12, pH 7.9-8.5, sg 1.023-1.026
Max. Size: 1″
Color Form: Orange, White, Olive Green
Diet: Specialty Herbivore
Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Origin: Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Lesser Antilles
Family: Astraeinae
Lifespan: 3-5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Beginner

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Blue Angelfish, Golden Angelfish, or Yellow Angelfish is found in tropical western Atlantic waters from Florida along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea down to Brazil, as far east as Bermuda, and the St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago.

Queen Angelfish are a benthic species that can be found on coral reefs at depths from 5 to over 240 feet in areas with live rock, soft corals, and heavy sponge growth. Adults are generally found alone or swimming in pairs grazing on sponges, jellyfish, tunicates, corals, plankton, and algae.   Juveniles found in channels, bays, and along the outer reef edges often act as cleaner fish and eat ectoparasites that they remove from larger species.

Queen Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites that have large territories and live in harems of two to four or more females to one male.  When no male is present, the most dominant female will transform into a male and tend to the harem as the group forages in different locations.

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

Similar to the Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) the Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is covered in yellow tipped blue green scales, with a bright yellow tail, pectoral, and pelvic fins.   The trailing dorsal and anal fins have orange to yellow end points, and the pectoral fins have blue patches at the base.   Adults have a cobalt blue eye like spot (crown) on the forehead with an electric blue outer ring dotted with electric blue spots.   The cobalt blue “crown”, solid bright yellow tail, and deep blue highlights distinguish the species from the Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis).   Although there are no distinguishing markings between adult males and females; males are believed to be larger.

Juvenile Queen Angelfish have brilliant, curved vertical baby blue stripes on their dark blue bodies and bright yellow to orange markings around the mouth, pectoral fins, and tail.   They resemble juvenile Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) which have straighter vertical stripes.

Where their ranges overlap, Queen Angelfish will occasionally breed with Blue Angelfish creating a hybrid called the Townsend Angelfish.  Seven other color morphs have also been recorded off the coasts of the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago, Brazil and off the Dry Tortugas. The most common is a mostly gold or bright orange morph. Other morphs are bright blue with some yellow, black or white, and all white.

Because of it’s size, the Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is best housed in at least a 250 gallon fish only tank with plenty of swimming areas and aged live rock to graze on; arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.

They can be kept with other semi aggressive species but because of their aggressiveness towards peaceful species and fish of similar and smaller size, they should never be kept with others of their own kind unless housed in an extremely large aquarium.

Although crabs and shrimp are normally ignored, Queen Angelfish are notorious nippers of stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, and are not considered to be reef safe.

Be sure to have adequate lighting to encourage algae growth on the rock work in your tank before introducing your fish.  A daylight bulb is recommended to help the angelfish absorb vitamins A and C.

Queen Angelfish are super sensitive to changes in water parameters and require excellent quality water to thrive.   Regular water changes of 10-15% every two weeks for tanks in the 180 gallon range and 30% every 3 to 4 weeks in tanks over 250 gallons are highly recommended to keep them stress free and healthy.

Queen Angelfish are broadcast spawners and to date there have been no successful breedings in an aquarium environment.

Holacanthus ciliaris spawn throughout the year around the full moon by slowly rising up in the water column, with their bellies close together, and releasing large amounts of eggs and sperm.   After spawning the pair split up and return to the ocean floor.  Females can release anywhere from 25,000 to 75,000 transparent eggs each evening, and as many as ten million during each spawning session.   Each pelagic egg contains a single drop of oil to provide buoyancy.

The pelagic eggs normally hatch in 15 to 20 hours into a pro-larval stage where after about 48 hours the large yolk sac is absorbed and the young become free swimming. The free swimming larvae grow quickly and are immediately able to feed on plankton.   In about 2 to 4 weeks at a length of .6 to .8 inch the larvae settle to the bottom until they become juveniles.   The highly territorial juveniles subsist on parasites that they remove (like cleaner wrasses) from other larger fish at cleaning stations that they set up.

In the wild, adult Queen Angelfish eat mainly sponges, algae, and bryozoans.   In an aquarium environment with plenty of mature live rock for grazing, they do well on a diet that includes sponge material in either frozen, freeze dried, flake, or pellet form, vegetables like raw broccoli, marine algae, Spiurlina, and other meaty treats like fresh shrimp, brine, or Mysis shrimp.

Because they are selective grazers, it is recommended to feed several small meals throughout the day as opposed to one large meal.

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) are available online from a variety of tropical fish keeping suppliers at the following approximate purches sizes; Tiny: Up to 2″, Small: Over 2-2.5″, Small / Medium: Over 2.5-3.5″, Medium: Over 3.5-4.5″, Medium / Large: Over 4.5-5.5″, Large: Over 5.5-6.5″, Extra Large: Over 6.5-7.5″, Extra Extra Large: Over 7.5-8.5″, Show Size: Over 8.5-10.5″, Jumbo: Over 10.5″. Prices range from under $250.00 to over $500.00.

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Aquarium Type: Mature live rock
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72 °F – 78 °F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 18″
Color Form: Gold, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: North and South America, Caribbean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert

Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis)

The known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Bermuda Blue Angelfish is found in tropical western Atlantic waters along the coasts of North and South America from North Carolina to the Yucatan Peninsula; as well as Bermuda in the Bahamas.

Blue Angelfish are a benthic species that can be found near the bottom at depths from 5 to over 300 feet in areas with live rock, corals, and sponge growth.  Adults are generally found singly or in pairs grazing on sponges, tunicates, corals, and algae.  Juveniles are generally found in channels, bays, and along inshore reefs.

Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis)

Similar to the Queen Angelfish, adult Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) have a yellow and blue brown shaded body with rirdescent blue accents and green hues, and bluish gray, yellow margined trailing dorsal and anal fins.

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) posses a solid yellow tail, a striking blue crown, and deep blue highlights.

Juvenile Blue Angelfish have thin straight brilliant blue and white vertical bars on their dark blue bodies and bright yellow markings around the mouth, pectoral fins, and tail.

The bars on juvenile Blue Angelfish are straighter than the bars of juvenile Queen Angelfish.  The colors gradually morph from the dark

Juvenile Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis)

blues of juveniles, to the blues, greens, and yellows of adult specimens.

Blue Angelfish and Queen Angelfish are hermaphroditic and have no distinguishing markings between males and females.

Where their ranges overlap, the Blue Angelfish will occasionally breed with the Queen Angelfish creating a hybrid called the Townsend Angelfish.

Because of it’s size, the Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) is best housed in at least a 250 gallon fish only tank with plenty of swimming areas and aged live rock to graze on; arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.

They are best kept with other semi aggressive species but because of their aggressiveness towards peaceful species and fish of similar and smaller size, they should never be kept with others of their own kind unless housed in an extremely large aquarium. Except for the most toxic corals from the Alcyoniidae or Octocoral family, Blue Angelfish are notorious nippers of stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles and are not considered to be reef safe. Crabs and shrimp are normally ignored.

Be sure to have adequate lighting to encourage algae growth on the rock work in your tank before introducing your fish. A daylight bulb is also recommended to help the angelfish absorb vitamins A and C.

Like most saltwater angelfish, the Blue Angelfish requires good quality water.   Regular water changes of 10-15% every two weeks for tanks in the 180 gallon range and 30% every 3 to 4 weeks in tanks over 250 gallons are highly recommended to keep them stress free and healthy.

Because there are no distinguishing markings that differentiate males from females, Holacanthus bermudensis are extremely difficult to breed in an aquarium environment. To date there have been no successful breedings in an aquarium environment.

Holacanthus bermudensis spawn by slowly rising up in the water column, with their bellies close together, and releasing large amounts of eggs and sperm. Females can release anywhere from 25,000 to 75,000 transparent eggs each evening, and as many as ten million during each spawning period. Each pelagic egg contains a single drop of oil to provide buoyancy.

The eggs normally hatch in 15 to 20 hours into a pro-larval stage where after about 48 hours the yolk sac is absorbed the young are free swimming. The larvae are immediately able to feed on plankton, grow quickly, and in about 2 to 4 weeks settle to the bottom. Juveniles are strongly territorial and defend spots where they set up cleaning stations (like cleaner wrasses) where they eat parasites that they remove from other fish.

In the wild, adult Blue Angelfish eat mainly sponges and algae.  In an aquarium environment with mature live rock for grazing, they will do well on a diet that includes sponge material in either frozen (Ocean Nutrition Formula One), freeze dried, flake, or pellet form in addition to vegetables like raw broccoli, marine algae, and meaty treats like fresh shrimp, brine, or Misys shrimp.
Because they are grazers, it is recommended to feed several small meals throughout the day as opposed to one large meal.

Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) are available online from a variety of tropical fish keeping suppliers at the following approximate purches sizes; Medium: over 2.5-4.5″, Western Atlantic $159.99, Large: over 4.5-6.5″, Western Atlantic $169.99, X-Large: over 6.5-7.5″, Western Atlantic $229.99, XX-Large: over 7.5-8.5″, Western Atlantic $289.99 and Larger up to $400.00.

Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis)

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gallons
Aquarium Type: Mature live rock or Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72 °F – 80 °F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size: 18″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Not reef safe
Origin: North and South America, Caribbean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 20 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert

Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi)

The Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Griffis’ angelfish is a unique species that was originally discovered in the middle of the North Pacific Ocean in the area of the Gilbert Islands south of the Marshall Islands, and about half way between Papua New Guinea and the Hawaiin Islands.

It’s range appears to extend to several areas of Micronesia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and various locations of Oceania like the Caroline Islands, Solomon Islands, Nauru, and Kiribati, which seems to be the eastern limit for the species.

Griffis Angelfish are usually found living in the deeper waters of the steep outer reef slopes at depths around 130 to 295 feet where they have been observed feeding on sponges, sea squirts, and tunicates alone, in pairs, and very rarely in small groups with one male controlling a small territory and a harem.

Although Apolemichthys griffisi are unique and rare in the aquarium trade, they are occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi)

Juvenile Griffis Angelfish have a white body with a single black stripe on the upper half of the fish. As they turn into adults, the colors on the upper half of the fish darken and a white stripe forms.

Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi)

Adult Griffis Angelfish have a grayish to almost tan lower body color with a net like pattern of white spots and three bold black and white stripes along the upper half of the body.   They have a wedge shaped black marking that travels through the eye, a black splotch on the forehead, and a bluish color towards the snout.   Like all marine angelfish, they are hermaphroditic, with no visible distinguishing features between males from females.

The only other marine angelfish that has similar bold black and white patterning is the Bandit angelfish (Apolemichthys arcuatus) from Hawaii.

Griffis Angelfish adapt readily to an aquarium environment and are considered to be one of the least aggressive of the larger angelfish.

Although Apolemichthys griffisi may eat some species of hard and soft corals and are not considered to be reef safe, they do well in a large, coral rich tank reef tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with sessile inverts and plenty of mature live rock to graze on and configured into caves, overhangs, nooks, and crevices for them to hide among.

Of all the large angels, Griffis Angelfish are considered to be one of the safer choices for reef aquariums and has been proven not to pick on sessile invertebrates.

Griffis Angelfish are a great addition to large reef tanks but because they are known to nip at large polyp stony corals, some soft corals, and tridacnid clam mantles; most tropical fish keeping enthusiasts find that they are best housed in a fish only environment.  Because they are not a fast swimming species, they should be provided with lots of free swimming space.

Griffis Angelfish prefer moderate tidal currents, so at least a couple of powerheads in their tank would be appreciated.   Lighting should be moderately strong to strong in at least one area of the tank to promote the growth of algae.

Griffis Angelfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.  Like all Pomacanthidae, the mating ritual occurs during the late evening hours when the predation of eggs is less likely. When the female is ready to lay her eggs, coupling occurs and the eggs are fertilized by the male in the water column. The eggs rise to the surface and drift with the currents without any additional care from the parents.

In their natural environment, Griffis Angelfish are omnivores that feed primarily on tunicates; sponges, ascidians, and betnthic algae.   In an aquarium environment, they can be difficult to feed but their diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, a high quality angelfish preparation that includes sponges, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items. Because they are grazers, feeding small portions 3 times a day is preferred to only one large daily feeding.

Because of the depths that they are collected and the locations in the Central Pacific Ocean where they are found, Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi) are truly a unique acquisition for any lucky tropical fish keeping enthusiast.   They are only occasionally available from online importers at the following purchase sizes at prices that can put a dent into your pocketbook.

Size: 1.5 – 2.25 inches $974.99; 2.25 – 3.25 inches $1049.99; 3.25 – 4.25 inches $1087.99;
4.25 – 5.25 inches $1499.99; 5.25 – 6.25 inches $1499.99; 6.25 – 7.5 inches $1499.99

Griffis Angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: Mature live rock or Reef
Care Level: Very Difficult
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy once established
Water Conditions: 73.4 °F – 82.4 °F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Black, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef w/Caution
Origin: Central Pacific; Caroline Island, Indonesia, Kiribati, Line Islands, Marschall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Phoenix Islands, Solomon Islands, Sulawesi
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert Only

Bluespotted Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Blue Spangled Angelfish or Yellowtail Poma Angel is a seldom encountered species endemic to the Phillipine Archipelago.

Bluespotted Angelfish are found along the deeper rocky areas of reefs around rich growths of sponges and algae at depths between 40 to 140 feet.  Although they are occasionally seen alone feeding on sponges and tunicates, they are seldom seem in pairs or smaller groups.

Bluespotted Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus)

The Bluespotted Angelfish is colored an orange brown on the face, head, and anterior portions of the body, with the remainder colored a dark dusky brown to bluish black.  Dense small blue spots cover the entire body except for the face.  The dorsal and anal fins are dark brown to black with blue margins and the caudal fin is a stunning, bright yellow color.  Males and females cannot be differentiated by size or color and like other marine angelfish, Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus are protogynous hermaphrodites, with all individuals initially starting life as females until the dominant female in a group change into a male.

Juveniles have a dark brown to almost black body color with yellow stripes on the anterior portion of the back, on the head, and around the dorsal fin.  The caudal fin on juvenile specimens is colored yellow and white.

Bluespotted Angelfish do best in a mature. well established fish only (FOLR) aquarium of at least 125 gallons with plenty of live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to graze and hide among.  Bluespotted Angelfish are relatively non-aggressive and should be kept with other peaceful tankmates.  Aquarium tank mates with calm demeanors include tangs, clownfish, damsels, gobies, blennies, butterflies and other similar species.

To avoid territorial conflicts, other angelfish should not be housed with Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus unless the tank is a large one with plenty of live rock.

Bluespotted Angelfish are not considered reef safe and will nip at stony corals, soft corals, and Tridacnid Clam mantles.  They do eat filamentous algae with gusto.

Although Bluespotted Angelfish have been successfully bred commercially, no reports of successful breeding in an aquarium environment have been reported.

Like other marine angelfish, Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus lay pelagic eggs and have pelagic larvae.   Their spawning ritual occurs during the evening or at night where a spiraling dance is performed until the eggs and sperm are released into the water column.   After spawning, the eggs are left to float in the water column.

In the wild, the diet of the Bluespotted Angelfish is primarily composed of sponges, diatoms, and tunicates.  In an aquarium environment, they will graze and pick on the live rock, filamentous algae, sponges, diatoms, etc. and should be provided fresh, frozen, or freeze dried Spirulina, marine algae, Mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items along with a high quality angelfish preparation at least three times a day.

Although Bluespotted Angelfish (Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus) are rarely exported to the aquarium trade, tropical fish keeping enthusiasts can occasionally obtain them online from a few specialty transhippers at these approximate purchase sizes:  Small: 2″ to 3″; Medium: 3-1/2″ to 5″; Large: 5″ to 7″.    Costs for Indo Pacific specimens vary from $89.99 to $195.00 depending on size.

CAUTION:  Although shipments from Cebu are relatively frequent, specimens usually die at some point in holding tanks, probably due to the collectors use of cyanide.

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gal
Aquarium Type: FOLR
Care Level: Difficult
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: pH 8.1-8.4, 72° to 82°F, dKH 8 – 12°, SG 1.021-1.025
Max. Size: 8″
Color Form: Yellow, Blue, Brown
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful Community
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

The Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Royal Angelfish is widely distributed throughout the Indo Pacific and is collected from the Red Sea and Indian Ocean around East Africa and the Maldives, to the Tuamoto Islands, New Caledonia, and in northern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef. It’s northernmost range ends in the southern area of the East China Sea around Taiwan and the Ryukyu and Ogasawara Islands of Japan.

Regal Angelfish can be found in protected shallow inner reefs, lagoons, bays, and outer reef slopes of their range at depths exceeding 260 feet, where they are frequently seen alone, in pairs, or smaller groups feeding on sponges and tunicates that are located in the reefs and underwater caves.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish are an extremely shy, secretive species that are frequently found sheltering under rocky ledges, in crevices, and swimming upside down on cave ceilings.

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Regal Angelfish fish have a bright yellow body color with alternating backward angled white and orange vertical stripes that are outlined in royal blue.  The rear portion of the dorsal fin is dark blue or black with closely set blue dots and the rear portion of the anal fin has alternating yellow and blue bands running parallel to the contour of the body.  The caudal fin is a bright yellow color.

There are no external differences between males and females.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish are a bright copperish yellow color with white vertical stripes outlined in dark blue with a large, bright, dark spot outlined in white on the rear portion of the soft dorsal fin.

Juvenile Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Although regional color differences of Regal Angelfish occur in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and South Pacific Oceans, the general description given above remains constant.

Regal Angelfish can be housed in a peaceful community aquarium with plenty of hiding places or in a reef environment however, large angelfish, triggerfish, puffers, surgeonfish, and overly aggressive clownfish should be avoided.

Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts find Regal Angelfish one of the most popular species however, they are difficult to acclimate and feed, especially in a community environment.  It is important that they are introduced into the system first so they can establish their own territory and give them the best opportunity of survival.   Juveniles are peaceful but large adults are considered to be semi aggressive.   Adults will usually get along well with dwarf angelfish but are territorial with other larger angelfish species.

Adult Regal Angelfish do best in a mature reef aquarium of at least 125 gallons with plenty of live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.   They do best with SPS corals and other unpalatable coral species and although Regal Angelfish collected in the wild may nip at LPS corals, soft corals, and clam mantles; they will generally ignore ornamental inverts and corals.

Although commercially bred for the aquarium trade, as of this date no successful breeding of Regal Angelfish in an aquarium environment has been reported.

Like other angelfish species, Pygoplites diacanthus lay pelagic eggs and has pelagic larvae.   The spawning ritual occurs at dusk or at night where a spiraling dance is performed before the eggs and sperm are released into the water column.   After spawning, the eggs are left to float in the water column.

In their natural environment, Regal Angelfish are primarily carnivores that feed on sponges and tunicates.  In an aquarium environment, they should be fed a varied diet of meaty foods including raw shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, krill, and occasionally some type of herbivore diet that includes spirulina and sponges. Pygoplites diacanthus are notoriously difficult to feed and require patience with a wide range of fresh and frozen foods to jump start their appetite.

A healthy specimen housed in the right environment will usually begin feeding within days when offered a variety of live, frozen, and flake or freeze-dried foods however, a hostile aquarium environment will directly counter your acclimation and feeding efforts.

Once they begin feeding, many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts offer Regal Angelfish a high quality marine carnivore pellet, frozen Mysis, Spirulina, frozen brine shrimp, and a frozen sponge fortified angelfish formula, which usually maintains their attention.

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus) are not common in the aquarium trade but are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops. Commercially raised specimens are periodically available from farms at prices from $169.99 for a 2.5 ” Indo Pacific Juvenile to $249.99 for a 3-4″ specimen.   Larger adult specimens can run over $400.00.

Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef compatible
Care Level: Very Difficult
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: pH 8.1-8.4, 72° to 80°F, dKH 8 – 12°, SG 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Yellow, Blue, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Peaceful Community
Origin: Indo-Pacific Ocean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert ONLY

Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Halfmoon Angelfish, Yellowband Angelfish, Yellowbar Angelfish, Yellow Blotch Angelfish, Map Angelfish, Blue Moon Angelfish, and Yellow Marked Angelfish are found throughout the Persian Gulf, the northwestern Indian Ocean, Gulf of Oman, and Red Sea.

Maculosus Angelfish have been more recently observed in south Florida waters off Boynton Beach, Pompano Beach, West Palm Beach, and Juno Beach as well as southern Brazil in the southwest Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea; due to probable aquarium releases.

Maculosus Angelfish are a curious species found in shallow to moderate depths of 3 to 60 feet in silty bottom areas with rocky rubble and among heavy growths of hard and soft corals found along the sheltered inshore reefs and lagoons where they feed on sponges, algae, zooplankton, copepods, euphausiids, and pelagic tunicates.

Unlike the shy Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) which are often found in pairs near caves and in crevices making them difficult to approach and collect, Maculosus Angelfish are not shy around divers.

Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

Adult Pomacanthus maculosus have a deep blue body color with a single yellow vertical band (sometimes resembling a map) that bisects the flanks. They have black edged scales (that resemble freckles) along the head and face and pale light blue to white caudal fins that distinguish them from Pomacanthus asfur, which have brilliant yellow caudal fins.

Juvenile Maculosus Angelfish begin life with a dark blue to black body color and alternate blue, white,

Juvenile Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

and black vertical bands that disappear as they grow into adulthood.

Like most marine angels, Maculosus Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites that begin their adult life as females and within a few days to a couple of weeks, the larger or more dominant individual within a small group will change sex and become a male.

Maculosus Angelfish are a large growing species that is best housed in a mature aquarium of at least 250 gallon capacity for a single adult specimen or small community.   They require plenty of swimming room and an abundance of mature live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide and graze among.

Maculosus Angels will thrive in a large fish only tank with plenty of aged live rock among other peaceful to semi aggressive species.   They should not be kept with other angelfish unless housed in a very large tank, then; house only one Pomacanthus maculosus per tank.

Maculosus Angels are not considered to be reef safe and will also nip at hard corals, invertebrates, and clam mantles. If you want to house them in a reef tank, proceed with caution.

To date Maculosus Angelfish have not been bred in an aquarium environment.

In their natural habitat, Maculosus Angelfish feed on algae, sponges, tunicates, zooplankton, and copepods.    In an aquarium environment with plenty of mature live rock, they should be fed a varied diet of algae, sponges, and other meaty foods.

Algae, Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, spirulina, seaweed, sponges, mollusks, crustaceans, and quality frozen commercial angelfish preparations will keep your Maculosus Angelfish healthy.   Because this species needs a lot of algae in their diet, frequent feedings are recommended.

Although not common, Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources both online and from local tropical fish shops.   Captively bred specimens are hardier, easier to acclimate, less expensive, and more readily available than wild caught specimens.

Prices for juvenile captive bred specimens range in the area of $190.00 to $250.00.

maculosus-angelfish-pomacanthus-maculosus

Minimum Tank Size: 250 gal
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72 to 79°F, dKH 7.5-10, dH 8-25, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4,
Max. Size: 19.7″
Color Form: Blue, Yellow, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: FOLR, Reef compatible with caution
Origin: Red Sea, Africa
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 36 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur)

Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as Arabian or Crescent Angelfish are found in the western Indian Ocean in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the coast of eastern Africa.

Asfur Angelfish are a shy, solitary species that are found among heavy growths of hard and soft corals in sheltered inshore reefs and lagoons at depths between 10 and 320 feet where they feed on sponges, zooplankton, copepods, euphausiids ( krill ), algae, and pelagic tunicates.

Locally known as Arabian Angelfish, Pomacanthus asfur are often found in pairs near caves and in crevices making them difficult to approach and collect.

Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur)

Adult Asfur Angelfish have a dark blue to purple body color with a black face, a bright yellow caudal fin thinly edged with blue, and a broad crescent shaped yellow band that vertically bisects the flanks.

Juvenile specimens have a blue body color marked with pale blue and white stripes, and as they mature into adulthood, they develop yellow markings on their dorsal and caudal fins.

Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts confuse the Asfur Angelfish with Maculosus Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus) which is similar in appearance.   Asfur Angelfish have a bright yellow tail while Maculosus Angelfish have a translucent pale yellow to white tail.

Like most marine angels, Asfur Angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites that begin their adult life as females and within a few days to a couple of weeks, the larger or more dominant individual within a small group will change sex and become a male.

Asfur Angelfish are a large growing species that is best housed in a mature aquarium of at least 200 gallon capacity for a single specimen, up to 300 gallon capacity for a community.  They need plenty of swimming room and mature live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide and graze among, and a few powerheads to provide a moderate amount of water movement.

Asfur angelfish are relatively aggressive towards other angelfish, but in larger aquariums with enough tankmates, they become more hospitable.   If you plan to keep them in an aquarium smaller than 200 gallons, purchase at least three angels of the same species.

When housed in smaller tanks, Asfur Angelfish usually become territorial and may fight with each other.

In a reef setting, Asfur Angelfish will nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles  but can be kept with noxious soft corals and small polyped stony corals with caution.

In their natural environment Arabian Angelfish can grow to over 30″ in length, however in an aquarium environment, they seldom exceed 16″.

Asfur angelfish have been bred commercially for the fish keeping hobby but not in an aquarium environment.

In their natural environment, Pomacanthus asfur feed on algae, sponges, krill, zooplankton, and copepods. In an aquarium environment with plenty of mature live rock, they should be fed a varied diet of algae, seaweed, sponges, mollusks, crustaceans, and commercial angelfish preparations.   Because this species needs a lot of algae in their diet,  frequent feedings are recommended.

Although not common, wild Asfur Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops.   Captively bred specimens are hardier, easier to acclimate, less expensive, and more readily available.

Prices for wild caught Red Sea specimens range from $500.00 for a 3.25 – 4.25  inch specimen to $1200.00 for a 7 – 9 inch fish.   Medium size captive bred specimens 1-1/2″ to 2″ in size start at $250.00.

Minimum Tank Size: 200 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef compatible with caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72 to 79°F, dKH 7.5-10, dH 8-25, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4,
Max. Size: 16″
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Origin: western Indian Ocean
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)

The African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Orangeback Pygmy Angelfish, African Pygmy Angelfish, or Fireball Pygmy Angelfish occurs from East and South Africa and the Arabian Gulf in the Western Indian Ocean.

African Flameback Angelfish are a shy dwarf species that are found at depths between 35 and 135 feet along rock and coral rubble areas of the reef where they feed primarily on algae and sponges. They are commonly found around heavy growths of algae alone or in small groups of one male with three or more females, and often several juveniles.

African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) are similar in color and shape to the Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus) and the Cherub Pygmy Angel (Centropyge argi); the most obvious difference being the caudal fin which is yellow and somewhat transparent. The Brazilian Flameback Angelfish or Fireball Angelfish has a blue caudal fin.

African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)

African Flameback Angelfish aka Orangeback Angelfish have an oval, laterally compressed body with a short snout and a small mouth. They have a dark blue body with a broad bright orange to golden yellow swatch that proceeds from the face, along the back to the tip of the dorsal area.   The eyes are circled in blue .

Visual determination of sex is not possible based on coloration but since Centropyge acanthops are protygenous hermaphrodites, larger individuals are presumed to be males.

All Centropyge species begin their adult life as females and within a few days to a couple of weeks, the larger or more dominant individual within a small group will change sex and become a male. When two fish are placed together, in approximately sixty days one of the two fish will physically changed their sex to accommodate the other. If need arises, a reversal is possible but it takes weeks to months to transpire.

Although African Flameback Angelfish are suited for reef tanks and may occasionally nip clam mantles, sea anemones, large polyp stony (LPS) corals, and some soft corals such as zoanthids, they normally do not bother non-sessile invertebrates like crabs or shrimp.

African Flameback Angelfish are best housed in a mature reef or fish only aquarium of at least 55 gallon capacity with plenty of live rock for grazing on microalgae, diatoms, and accumulations of detritus; arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among.   A shy species, they require multiple hiding spaces until they establish a territory and feel secure enough to come out into the open areas of the tank.

No successful breeding’s of the African Flameback Angelfish in an aquarium environment have been reported.

Like other angelfish species, Centropyge acanthops lays pelagic eggs and has pelagic larvae. The spawning ritual occurs at dusk and the eggs are left to float in the water column.

In the wild, African Flameback Angelfish feed on algae, sponges, accumulations of detritus, etc.   They are excellent browsers of filamentous algae and the tiny organisms that live in the algae.  In an aquarium environment, their diet should include a variety of meaty foods including Spirulina, marine algae, a high quality commercial angelfish preparation, and Mysis or frozen shrimp. Spirulina flakes or pellets are also accepted.   This species should be fed small amounts three times or more a day, even with natural foods present.

Although not common, African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops.   Although they are a captively bred species and are less expensive and more readily available than Brazilian Flameback Angelfish, they are rarely available in the aquarium trade.

African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) in the 1.25″-2.5″ size will cost about $120.00 vs $300.00 for the same size Brazalian Flameback.

African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef compatible with caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 72 to 78°F, dGH 8-12, sg 1.023-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4,
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Origin: Africa
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus)

The Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Flameback Angelfish, Flameback Pygmy Angelfish, Caribbean Flameback Angelfish, or Fireball Angelfish occurs from the lesser Antilles and Curacao in the Netherlands Antilles, and the northern coast of South America from Venezuela to southern Brazil.

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish are a shy dwarf species that can be found at depths between 50 and 985 feet along rock and rubble strewn areas of the reef where they feed on algae and sponges. They are commonly found around isolated patches of staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) in small groups or swimming alone.

The Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus) are similar in color and shape to the African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops), the most obvious difference being the dark blue caudal fin that Centropyge acantihops lacks.

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus)

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish have an oval, laterally compressed body with a short snout and a small mouth. They have a blue body with bright golden yellow markings over the head and dorsal area, and a blue ring around the eyes. Visual determination of sex is not possible based on coloration but since Centropyge aurantonotus are protygenous hemaphrodites, larger individuals are considered to be males.

Although Brazalian Flameback Angelfish are ideally suited for reef tanks and may occasionally pick at meaty corals like Cynarina spp. or Trachyphyllia spp., they normally do not bother non-sessile invertebrates like crabs or shrimp, and will leave clam mantles alone.

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish are best housed in a mature reef aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity with plenty of live rock for grazing on microalgae and diatoms; arranged into caves, crevices, and overhangs for them to hide among.   A shy species, they require multiple hiding spaces until they establish a territory and feel secure enough to come out into the open areas of the tank.

No successful breeding’s of the Brazalian Flameback Angelfish in an aquarium environment have been reported.

Like other angelfish species, Centropyge aurantonotus lays pelagic eggs and has pelagic larvae. The spawning ritual usually occurs at dusk and the eggs are left to float in the water column. At St. Helena Island, the Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus) naturally hybridizes with Resplendent Angelfish (Centropyge resplendens) where it appears that an established hybrid population of the Brazilian Flameback and resplendent angelfish has developed into a very unique fish; the Resplendent Fireball Angelfish.

In the wild, the Brazalian Flameback Angelfish feeds mainly on algae and sponges, however, it also eats the tiny organisms that live in the algae. In an aquarium environment, their diet should include a variety of meaty foods including Spirulina, marine algae, a high quality commercial angelfish preparation, and Mysis or frozen shrimp. The will also accept algae flakes or pellets and should be fed small amounts three times or more a day, even with natural foods present.

Although not common, Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops.  The lack of demand for Brazilian Flameback Angelfish can be partially attributed to the widespread availability of the African Flameback Angelfish which is considerably cheaper, much more common, and considered by some to be more “reef safe”.

Brazilian Flameback Angelfish in the 1″-2.5″ size will cost about $300.00 vs $99.00 for the same size African Flameback.

Brazalian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef compatible with caution
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 68 to 82°F, SG 1.020-1.027, pH 8.0-8.5, sg 1.020-1.027
Max. Size: 3″
Color Form: Blue, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Community
Origin: Caribbean, Brazil
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Kyoga Flameback (Xystichromis “Kyoga Flameback”)

The Kyoga Flameback (Xystichromis “Kyoga Flameback”) is an endangered species found in Lake Nawampassa, a lake north of Lake Victoria that is part of the Kyoga Basin/ Victorian Nile drainage system.

Unfortunately, due to pollution and the introduction of the Nile Perch in it’s waters, the Kyoga Flameback like many other Lake Victoria species is a difficult acquisition for tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Kyoga Flameback (Xystichromis “Kyoga Flameback”)

Male Kyoga Flamebacks acquire beautiful colors when fully mature.   Brilliantly colored with a mixture of yellow, lime green, and red; they have a broken lateral line and bars on their head and face that disappear and re-appear as their mood changes.

Female Kyonga Flamebacks also have a broken lateral line and bars on their head and face, but like most females of the species, have a plain silver to gold body color.

Although Kyonga Flamebacks are considered only mildly aggressive and are not a community fish, they can be housed with other less aggressive Cichlids.   Do not house them with Pundamilla or Mbuna type cichlids as these guys are way to aggressive for Kyoga’s.

A small colony of Kyonga Flamebacks can be housed in at least a 40 gallon aquarium with a sand or fine gravel substrate and several stacked rocks configured into caves, overhangs, and other hiding places.   Although plants are not necessary in this type of rocky Victorian type setup, Kyonga Flamebacks appreciate a couple of pieces of African Driftwood in their tank.   A wet/dry trickle filter or canister type filtration system along with a small power head and regular water changes is recommended to maintain the necessary water quality for this species.

Kyonga Flameback Cichlids are polygamous maternal mouth brooders that like most African Cichlids will readily breed in an aquarium environment with good water parameters.

Males will smooth out a spot for the female to drop her eggs and then try to entice ripe females to the spot by flashing their brilliant breeding colors and shaking their bodies.   When the eggs are deposited, the male fertilizes them as the female picks them up into her mouth.   She will hold the fertilized eggs in her mouth until the fry have developed and are ready to be released; typically a couple of weeks.    The fry are fully developed when released and are able to eat very finely crushed flake food.

In their natural habitat, Kyoga Flamebacks are omnivores that feed on vegetable matter and a variety of meats that they come across.   In an aquarium environment, they will eat just about anything, but a combination of Spirulina flakes, frozen foods, and a good quality African cichlid pellet will keep them healthy.

Like most omnivores, they should be fed a good balance of meaty foods with vegetable matter like fresh spinach, romaine lettuce, and fresh, frozen, or freeze dried brine shrimp fed as a “treat”.

Because of their endangered status, the Kyoga Flameback (Xystichromis “Kyoga Flameback”) is not common in the aquarium trade. Tropical fish keeping enthusiasts may acquire them from breeders, through on line cichlid forums, and specialty fish shops at a variety of prices.

Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons
Care Level: Mildly Difficult
Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-79°F, Gh 200 ppm, pH 7.5-8.6
Max. Size: 5″
Color Form: Red, Green, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Single species or Victoria community
Origin: Lake Nawampassa, Africa
Family: Cichlidae
Lifespan: 4 -10 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced

Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)

Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Blue Ring Angelfish or Blue King Angelfish is found throughout the Indo West Pacific which includes East Africa (north of Natal), Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia east to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, and north to southern Japan.

Annularis Angelfish are found on coastal reefs at depths to 200 feet where they feed on zooplankton, tunicates, and sponges in singles or in pairs.

Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)

Annularis Angelfish have a dark blue to black body color with thin alternately spaced white and light baby blue, well spaced curved strips on their sides and a transparent caudal fin. The backward curved stripes resemble shallow crescents.

Adult Annularis Angelfish are a golden brown color with sapphire blue horizontal stripes radiating from the base area of the pectoral fin along the sides towards the posterior portion of the dorsal fin.  The brilliant blue stripes along the flanks are well spaced and curve slightly towards the belly.   Two blue stripes run horizontally across the face with one running from above the snout to the edge of the operculum, directly through the eye.

The brilliant blue stripes continue through the the dorsal and anal fins. A distinct blue ring is situated behind and slightly above the edge of the operculum (hence it’s name) and the caudal fin is white with a bright yellow margin.

Juvenile Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) and Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) both have similar vertical blue body bars.   No other Atlantic angelfish has blue body markings.

Because Blue Ring Angelfish are hermaphroditic, it is not visually possible to differentiate males from females.

Annularis Angelfish are a relatively large, semi aggressive species that should be housed in a tank of at least 220 gallon capacity with an abundance of live rock for grazing; arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.   Unless you plan to try to breed a pair, only one Annularis Angelfish should be housed per tank.

Some tropical fish keeping enthusiasts have managed to keep Annularis Angelfish in a reef setting, but because they will will nip at sessile invertebrates such as nudibranchs, tridacnid clams, and SPS corals; Pomacanthus annularis are not considered reef safe.   The safest corals to keep with this species is bubble corals, disc anemone, hammer corals, star polyps, and small polyped stony corals.

Compatible tank mates include Blennies, Damselfish, Cardinals, Hawkfish, Tangs, and Wrasses.

Annularis Angelfish are pelagic egg scatterers that  form monogamous pairs but to date have not been bred in an aquarium environment.  They are commercially bred for sale to the aquarium trade in Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

In their natural environment, Blue Ring Angelfish are omnivores that graze on algae, sponges, zooplankton, and tunicates.   In an aquarium environment, they require a mixed diet of vegetables, meats, and commercial angel food preparations that must include sponges. Initially, they should be offered live brine shrimp or freshly chopped fish, squid, or shrimp until they become aggressive eaters.

Both adult and juvenile Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops in various sizes.   Always request hand netted specimens rather than those collected using chemicals and make sure that your supplier provides a survival guarantee before you purchase one.

The approximate purchase size for Blue Ring Angelfish are: Juvenile Small: 1″ to 1 3/4″; Medium: 1 3/4″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 2 3/4″; Sub Adult/Changing: Small; 2″ to 2-3/4″; Medium: 2 3/4″ to 3″; Medium/Large: 3″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4″; Adult Small: 3″ to 3 1/2″; Medium: 3 1/2″ to 4″; Medium/Large: 4″ to 5″; Large: 5″ to 6″; X Large: 6″ to 7″; Show Size: 8″ to 9″.

Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)

Minimum Tank Size: 220 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible with caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 17.5″
Color Form: Blue, Tan, White
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Community
Origin: Indonesia, Sri Lanka (captive bred)
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

The Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Oriole Angelfish, Blue and Gold Angel, Pacific Rock Beauty, Two Colored Angel, and the Dwarf Oriole Angel is a dwarf Indo Pacific species found in New Caledonia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and surrounding area reefs.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) are one of the less aggressive dwarf angelfish species that are safe to house with other peaceful fish.    In their natural habitat Bicolor Angelfish are most often seen in pairs or small aggregations in brackish lagoon waters and along the reef slopes at depths ranging from 10 to over 80 feet.

Like most angelfish species, they will not tolerate each other in the small confines of a marine aquarium and should never be housed with other dwarf angelfish or similar looking species unless an extremely large tank is provided with plenty of hiding places.

Many tropical fish keeping enthusiasts consider them an excellent addition to mixed species tanks and even some reef aquariums, however, they will nip on large polyped stony corals, smaller corals, sessile invertebrates, and the mantles of clams and are not considered reef safe.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)

The Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) has a a vibrant yellow anterior body color that ends just behind the pelvic fins where it splits into a deep blue at the mid point, to end at the posterior at the base of the yellow tail.   A small purple to royal blue splash runs from one eye over the top of the forehead down through the other eye.

There are no distinguishable differences in size or color between males and females.

Because of their mild temperament, striking coloration, ease of care, and availability to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts, the Bicolor Angelfish is regarded as the most popular Angelfish species in the aquarium trade.

Depending on the amount of tank inhabitants, a single Bicolor Angelfish can be housed in a community tank of at least 70 gallon capacity with an abundance of mature live rock for grazing that is arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.    Adult Centropyge bicolors spend most of their time grazing on the naturally occurring algae that grows on live rocks which makes an abundance of cured mature live rock mandatory for keeping this species healthy.   Also, a well feed angelfish is far less likely to nibble on a coral or crustacean in a reef tank.

Unless you plan to try breeding a pair, only one dwarf Centropyge bicolor should be housed per tank.   Examples of other compatible tank mates are Blennies, Damselfish, Cardinals, Hawkfish, Tangs, and Wrasses.   Avoid keeping them with larger Basses, Groupers, Lionfish, or Triggers that may harass or eat smaller species.

Although Bicolor Angelfish are not considered to be reef safe and are prone to nipping on soft and stony corals, clam mantles, feather dusters, and anemones; they are less likely to consume SPS corals and will often ignore these corals entirely if mature live rock is present

Like many Angelfish, Bicolor Angelfish are protogynous synchronous hermaphrodites and regarded as difficult to breed in an aquarium environment.   All juvenile fish will initially develop into females.   When conditions exist that promote prorogation of the species, the largest and most dominant female will transform into a male.   The introduction of several juveniles together into an aquarium will eventually result in a single male and a harem of females.

Although Centropyge bicolor have been successfully bred in captivity, reported incidents are extremely rare.

In their natural environment, juvenile Bicolor Angelfish feed on plankton.   As they mature and become adults, they graze on marine algae, worms, small crustaceans, and clams.   In an aquarium environment that includes large quantities of cured live rock, they should be fed a frozen marine angelfish preparation as a staple; augmented with Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, fresh chopped mollusks, crustaceans, dried spirulina or frozen algae, and “treats” of zucchini, spinach, or yellow squash. Feeding small quantities 2 or 3 times daily is recommended.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) have a reputation as being difficult to keep and not being very hardy.   This can be attributed to the location where the fish are collected from, especially the Philippines, and how they have been acclimated.  Some fish collectors employ questionable collecting practices. Always request hand netted specimens rather than those collected using chemicals and make sure that your supplier provides a survival guarantee before you purchase one.  Bicolor Angelfish should only be added to well established tanks that have been setup up for at least 6 months.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) are readily available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops at reasonable prices at the following approximate purchase sizes: Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 4-1/2″.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible with caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12 , pH 8.1 – 8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 6″
Color Form: Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Single species
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Melanesia
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 12 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)

The Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Two Spined Angelfish, Bluefin Angelfish, or Dusky Angelfish is found in the Indo-Pacific and is abundantly common on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Coral Beauty Angelfish are usually found on the outer reef slopes to depths of around 165 feet alone or in small harems.

Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)

The head and fins of the Coral Beauty Angelfish is a stunning deep royal blue color.   The body is an iridescent orange to almost yellow color, overlaid with dark vertical stripes and two pronounced vertical stripes just behind the gills.   The royal blue dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are edged in a lighter almost baby blue color that adds a striking contrast in adults.   Deep water specimens are generally more faded than those collected in shallower waters.

The Coral Beauty is often confused with the Dusky or Bluefin Angelfish (Centropyge

Bluefin Angelfish (Centropyge multispinis)

multispinis), which has a dusky body color, a dark blue to black splotch to the rear of the eye behind the gills, and a multiple spined dorsal fin.

The most common variety of Centropyge bispinosa sold in most tropical fish shops have more orange colored bodies.

Because of their mild temperament, beautiful coloring, ease of care, and adaptability to the aquarium environment, Coral Beauty Angelfish are a favorite of tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Depending on the amount of inhabitants, Coral Beauty Angelfish can be housed in a mature community tank of at least 70 gallon capacity with an abundance of live rock for grazing arranged into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.

Unless you plan to breed a pair, only one dwarf Coral Beauty Angelfish should be housed per tank.   Other compatible tank mates are Blennies, Damselfish, Cardinals, Hawkfish, Tangs, and Wrasses. The Coral Beauty Angelfish is shy and should be among the last fish introduced into a community tank. Avoid introducing larger Basses, Groupers, Lionfish, or Triggers that may harass or eat smaller species.

Although Centropyge bispinosa are not considered reef safe and are known to feed on soft and stony corals, and nip at clam mantles, feather dusters, and anemones; they are less likely to consume SPS corals and will often ignore many corals entirely.  The safest corals to keep with this species is bubble corals, disc anemone, hammer corals, star polyps, and small polyped stony corals.

The Coral Beauty Angelfish has been successfully bred in an aquarium environment.   A single male will oversee a small harem of several females.   Spawning usually occur at dusk and the eggs are left to float in the water column.

In their natural environment, Centropyge bispinosa mainly feed on algae, small crustaceans, soft and stony corals, and some sponges.   In an aquarium environment, they will graze on algae living on live rock, mysis shrimp, frozen shrimp, dried seaweed, spirulina flakes, and quality commercial angelfish food preparations.   Feeding small portions 2 to 3 times per day is recommended.

Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa) are commonly available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online and from local tropical fish shops.   The main problem with this species is that they do not survive well during shipping, especially those collected from the Philippines.     Always request hand netted specimens rather than those collected using chemicals and make sure that your supplier provides a survival guarantee before you purchase one.

The approximate purchase sizes for Coral Beauty Angelfish are: Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 4″.

Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa)

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gal to 100 gal
Aquarium Type: Reef compatible with caution
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy when acclimated
Water Conditions: 75-82°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 4″
Color Form: Blue, Orange, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Community
Origin: Fiji, Indonesia, Melanesia, Philippines
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)

The Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Golden Spotted Angelfish or Gold-spangled Angelfish is found along the Caroline Islands, and farther east to the Gilbert, Phoenix, Cook, and Line Islands in the Central Pacific.

Goldflake Angelfish are found along boat channels, in lagoons, and along the seaward slopes at depths from 10 feet to over 250 feet where they are observed alone, in pairs, or occasionally in small groups feeding on their preferred diet of sponges and tunicates.

Although Goldflake Angelfish are not common in the aquarium trade, they are not considered rare and are usually available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts.

Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)

Goldflake Angelfish are have a yellowish body color with beautiful gold spots all over the body.   The lips and mouth are rimmed in bright blue, and they have a black spot on their forehead that intersects the eye.   The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are black, edged in bright blue. Other than males being slightly larger than females, both sexes are identical in coloration.

Juvenile Goldflake Angelfish have a black anal fin without blue edging, a black splotch outlined in white at the rear of the dorsal fin, and translucent yellow caudal fins without the startling blue edged markings.

Juvenile Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)

Although Goldflake Angelfish are often regarded as being semi aggressive and best housed alone, they are a good candidate for community aquariums or mixed with other angels in a large tank.

Goldflake Angelfish are frequently kept in well established fish only aquariums with other angelfish of the same genus without incident, and are considered to be one of the least aggressive of the larger angelfish.   Although Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus are usually peaceful with dissimilar species, they will squabble with similarly sized angelfish and others of their own kind.

Goldflake Angelfish are best housed in a mature reef tank of at least 125 gallon capacity with plenty of live rock configured into caves, overhangs, and crevices for them to hide among.   They prefer moderate tidal currents, so at least a couple of powerheads in their tank would be appreciated.   Lighting should be moderately strong to strong in at least one area of the tank to promote the growth of algae.

Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus are generally a safe choice for reef tanks and will not pick on sessile invertebrates, but they will nip on clam mantles, large and small polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals, and a few soft corals.   They can usually be housed with a wide variety of noxious LPS corals like Torch Corals, Leather Corals, Gorgonians, SPS Corals, shrimp, anemones, and mushrooms without any problems.

Feeding Goldflake Angelfish small portions several times daily will help them quickly acclimate to their surroundings and minimize the nipping on corals.  Once acclimated they will quickly establish a territory and become more outgoing and belligerent.

Although Goldflake Angelfish are believed to be pelagic spawners, little is known about their reproductive behavior.

In their natural environment, Goldflake Angelfish graze on algae, sponges, and tunicates (sea squirts). In an aquarium environment with plenty of aged live rock, they should be fed a varied diet of frozen fortified brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, sponge matter, Spirulina, marine algae, and commercial angelfish preparations that include sponge and algae as a primary ingredient.  Flake foods containing Spirulina should also be offered and are usually eagerly accepted. Smaller feedings at least twice daily are recommend over a single large feeding.

The Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus) was once considered a very rare angelfish to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts however, they have recently become more available in the hobby at relatively lower prices at the approximate purchase sizes: Juv Small: 1-1/4″ to 2″; Juv Medium: 2″ to 2-1/2″; Juv Large: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Small: 2-1/4″; Small/Medium: 2-3/4″ to 3-1/4″; Medium 3-1/4″ to 4-1/4″; Medium/Large: 4-1/4″ to 5-1/4″; and Large: 5-1/4″ to 6″. Prices range online from $479.00 to $700.00.

Goldflake Angelfish (Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus)

Minimum Tank Size: 125 gallons
Aquarium Type: Mature live rock or Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi Aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Hardy
Water Conditions: 74-82°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1 – 8.5, sg 1.020-1.026
Max. Size: 10″
Color Form: Black, Blue, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Reef w/Caution
Origin: Tropical Central Pacific
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 5 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata)

Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the White Margin Sea Slug is found in tropical Indo Pacific waters from localities as far apart as Tanzania in Africa and Mayotte in the Indian Ocean.

From Sri Lanka to Polynesia, the Caramel Nudibranch is considered to be a relatively common species. They are abundant in Hawaii, but are less common and rarely observed in the Marshall Islands.

Glossodoris rufomarginata is mostly found on sheltered reefs, among rocky areas, and exposed shady environments.   They are active during daylight hours but avoid bright sunlight and have a decided preference for shaded areas.

Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata)

The Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata) has an off white body color with the surface of the dorsal and foot densely speckled with a coat of tiny red to orange brown dots that at first glance gives the nudibranch a light brown look.

The well developed wavy mantle edge has a broad white band with a red to orange brown outer border, and the foot has a white outer margin.   The retractable branchial plume and rhinophores are red to orange brown with a white median line on the rhinophores and a white highlight on the gill axis.

In the Marshall Islands, Caramel Nudibranch frequent caves and ledges of the windward seaward reef’s groove and spur system where they feed on dark gray clumping sponges of the family Thorectidae.

For the majority of the year, this zone (where the seaward slope meets the intertidal reef) is pounded non-stop by heavy waves and intense water surges making diving the area quite dangerous.   The heavy pounding often dislodges or tears off pieces of the sponge when it grows too large and washes it across the intertidal reef into the lagoon’s sandy slopes where Glossodoris rufomarginata are often still attached.   In the Marshall Islands, Glossodoris rufomarginata grow to almost 2 inches in length.

Unfortunately, sponges of the family Thorectidae which are the the sole prey of the Caramel Nudibranch, do not normally live in this area.   Once the sponge has been completely eaten and the Carmel Nudibranch cannot find another sponge colony washed up from the seaward side to feed on, the nudibranch may starve to death.

Fortunately, piles of rock that have washed all the way across the reef from the seaward groove and spur zone often have algae, sponges, and corals attached to them that are generally found only in that area.   Specimens are often collected on the back sides of gray sponges buried in the piles of rocks.

The Caramel Nudibranch is one of the most commonly observed species in Hawaii.   Specimens here grow to a max length of around .75 inch and inhabit relatively shallow reefs where their sole food source, a dark gray sponge named Cacospongia, thrives on the ledges and in the caves.

Because of their specialized feeding habits,  the Caramel Nudibranch has a relatively short life expectancy in an aquarium environment.    They are voracious eaters of sponges and are best housed in an established reef tank of at least 55 gallon capacity with plenty of mature live rock, a sandy substrate, and obviously plenty of sponge growth specific to the territory they were collected from.

Carmel Nudibranch require a good amount of water movement, so at least one or more powerheads are recommended in the reef system to keep them happy.  Like most invertebrates, Glossodoris rufomarginata is very sensitive to rapid changes in water quality and requires stable water conditions.

They are especially sensitive to higher levels of nitrates and cannot tolerate any amount of copper in the system.    When acquired, they should be slowly drip acclimated with the lights off or under dimly lit conditions when introduced into a new reef system.

In established reef aquariums, regular spawnings are common when Glossodoris rufomarginata are maintained together.

Glossodoris rufomarginata is a specialty feeder that requires plenty of live sponges of the family Thorectidae to thrive.   Lacking a steady supply of live sponges in their diet, they will usually not eat enough of anything else to thrive and will slowly starve.

Because of this and their short life span, only expert tropical fish keeping enthusiasts should attempt to maintain this species.

The Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata) is occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from specialty shops, Nudibranch forums,  and online from a variety of sources.

Caramel Nudibranch (Glossodoris rufomarginata)

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Aquarium Type: Established Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Relatively hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size:  2″
Color Form: Yellow, White, Brown, Red
Diet: Specialty Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Origin: Tropical Indo Pacific Oceans
Family: Chromodorididae
Lifespan: Unkonwn
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert Only

Glossodoris sibogae

Glossodoris sibogae is a less common species of sea slug found in the tropical Pacific Ocean that is known in Indonesia, Fiji, and more commonly in French Polynesia.

Similar in shape and coloration to Glossodoris atromarginata, there is no sure way to differentiate the two species without dissection of the animals to examine their teeth.   The radular teeth of Glossodoris sibogae are about half the size of Glossodoris atromarginata’s.

Glossodoris sibogae

Glossodoris sibogae has a distinctly intense bright yellow color in the mantle and foot.   The thin black edge that borders the sinuous mantle is always separated from the bright yellow to brownish yellow body of the back by a wide, bright white line.

Like Glossodoris atromarginata, Glossodoris sibogae is a peaceful species that spends it’s waking hours searching out and feeding on sponges.

Glossodoris sibogae is found in depths of 10 feet, to over 60 feet where they have been seen feeding on a variety of colored sponges on the shallow seaward reefs.

Although Glossodoris sibogae is found primarily in rocky coastal coral reef areas with substantial growths of sponges, hard and soft corals, they have also been seen in areas with sandy, silty bottoms.

Glossodoris sibogae like many sea slugs, are believed to secrete trace amounts of poisonous toxins as a defense mechanism when threatened, and caution should used not be house them with aggressive predators that could see them as a meal.

Glossodoris sibogae is a relatively large sea slug that can reach almost 4 inches in length.   They have a have a radula about half the size of Glossodoris atromarginata and a long oral tube that allows them to probe deep into partly buried sponge colonies that are partly buried under other growths, so they can feed.

Because of their specialized feeding habits, they have a relatively short life expectancy in an aquarium environment.    They are apparently voracious eaters of sponges and are best housed in an established reef tank of at least 55 gallon capacity with plenty of mature live rock, a sandy substrate, and obviously plenty of sponge growth.

Glossodoris sibogae need a moderate amount of water movement and at least one powerhead is recommended in the system to keep them happy.  Like most invertebrates, Glossodoris sibogae is very sensitive to rapid changes in water quality and requires stable water conditions.

They are especially sensitive to higher levels of nitrates and cannot tolerate any amount of copper in the system.    When purchased they should be slowly drip acclimated with the lights off when introduced into a new reef system.

In established reef aquariums, regular spawnings often occur when Glossodoris sibogae are maintained together.

Glossodoris sibogae is a specialty feeder that requires live sponges in order to thrive.   Lacking a steady supply of live sponges in their diet, they will usually not eat enough of anything else to thrive and will slowly starve.

Because of this and their short life span, only expert tropical fish keeping enthusiasts should attempt to maintain this species.

Glossodoris sibogae is occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from specialty shops, Nudibranch forums,  and online from a variety of sources.

Glossodoris sibogae

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Aquarium Type: Established Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Relatively hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size:  3.9″
Color Form: Yellow, White, Brown, Black
Diet: Specialty Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Origin:  Tropical Pacific Ocean
Family: Chromodorididae
Lifespan: Unkonwn
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert Only

Glossodoris atromarginata

Glossodoris atromarginata  known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Dark Margin Glossodoris is found in Australia, Thailand, Japan, and most of the other tropical and subtropical Pacific and Indian Oceans throughout the world.

Synonymous with Doriprismatica atromarginata, Glossodoris atromarginata is a peaceful species that spends all of its waking hours searching out and feeding on a variety of sponges.

Glossodoris atromarginata is found in rocky coastal reefs, coral reef areas with substantial growths of sponges, hard and soft corals, and areas with sandy, silty bottoms with sea pens, sponges, gorgonians, ascidians, soft corals, hydroids, and seaweed.

The Dark Margin Glossodoris has been seen at depths from 6 to over 30 feet feeding on sponge colonies partly buried under growths.

Glossodoris atromarginata like many sea slugs, are known to secrete trace amounts of poisonous toxins as a defense mechanism when threatened, and should not be housed with aggressive predators that may view them as a meal.

Glossodoris atromarginata

Glossodoris atromarginata range in color from a creamy white, to a pale brown.   A thin black  line borders the very sinuous mantle edge, the black edge to the rhinophore pockets, the black rhinophore clubs and the black edging to the simple gills.   Their beautiful gills wave rhythmically as they crawl along the sandy bottom.

In the ocean near Japan, many individuals have a bright yellow and white colors as well as milky white and light brown solids with black borders.  There are also many solids with strong brown in the southern sea of Japan with the tip of the antennae and the secondary gills colored black, with a white base.

Glossodoris atromarginata is a relatively large sea slug that can reach 4 inches in length.   They have a have quite a small radula and a long oral tube which extends as a long thin tube rather than the big inflated bulb seen in species of Hypselodoris.    The thin oral tube allows them to probe deep into partly buried sponge colonies partly buried under other growths to feed.

Although Glossodoris atromarginata is the most common species of the group, there are a number of almost identically colored species that are very difficult to externally separate from Glossodoris atromarginata.

Because of their specialized feeding habits and relatively short life expectancy in an aquarium environment, Glossodoris atromarginata are recommended only for advanced aquarists.    They are apparently voracious eaters of a variety of sponges  and are best housed in an established reef tank of at least 55 gallon capacity with plenty of mature live rock, a sandy substrate, and plenty of sponges.

Because they need a moderate amount of water movement, at least one powerhead is recommended in the system and like most invertebrates, Glossodoris atromarginata is very sensitive to rapid changes in water conditions and requires stable water quality.

They are especially sensitive to higher levels of nitrates and cannot tolerate any amount of copper in the system.  When purchased they should be slowly drip acclimated with the lights off when introduced into the tank.

In established reef aquariums, regular spawning often occur when Glossodoris atromarginata are maintained together, however, there has not been a great success rate reported by aquarists in raising the larvae.

Glossodoris atromarginata is a specialty feeder that requires live sponges as their primary diet to thrive.   Lacking a steady diet of sponges in their diet, they will usually not eat enough of anything else to thrive and will slowly starve without their primary food source.

Because of this and their short life span, only expert tropical fish keeping enthusiasts should attempt to maintain this species.

Glossodoris atromarginata is occasionally available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from specialty shops, Nudibranch forums,  and online from a variety of sources at an approximate purchase size of 1″ to 2″ at reasonable prices.

Glossodoris atromarginata

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Aquarium Type: Established Reef
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Aquarium Hardiness: Relatively hardy
Water Conditions: 72-78°F, dKH 8 to 12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025
Max. Size:  4″
Color Form: White, Brown, Black
Diet: Specialty Carnivore
Compatibility: Reef Compatible
Origin:  Subtropical Pacific, Indian Ocean
Family: Chromodorididae
Lifespan: Unkonwn
Aquarist Experience Level: Expert Only

Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)

The Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri) known to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts as the Orange Angelfish, Fisher’s Dwarf Angelfish, and Fisher’s Pygmy Angelfish is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific Ocean.

Fisher’s Angelfish are collected around coral rubble on seaward slopes at depths between 30 and over 250 feet where they graze on algae, small worms, and crustaceans.

Fisher’s Angelfish are one of the smallest Centropyge species and are sought after by tropical fish keeping enthusiasts for integration into small tanks and nano style systems.

Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)

Although they are closely related to the mostly blue Pacific Whitetail Angelfish (Centropyge flavicauda) and have been artificially hybridized with them; Fisher’s Angelfish are a golden orange brown color with black flecks on the upper half of the body and subtle vivid blue markings on the outside edges of the dorsal, anal, pelvic, and caudal fins.   A black spot accents the body just above the pectoral fins.

Like all Centropyge species, Centropyge fisheri begin life as unsexed individuals, but as they grow they start their adult life as females. The larger or more dominant individual within a small group will change sex within a few days to several weeks and become a male.

Sexing Fisher’s Angelfish cannot be done by color.   The main difference between sexes is size.

To obtain a pair, place two different sized specimens into a tank and within 60 days or so, one of the fish will physically change it’s sex to accommodate the other.

Fisher’s Angelfish are quite social and get along well with a variety of species of the same size and demeanor.   They do best in an aged, well established aquarium of at least 30 gallon capacity with an abundance of live rock arranged into small crevices, overhangs, and caves for them to explore and hide among with they feel threatened.   They do exceptionally well in a reef tank but have a tendency to mess with clam mantles, sea anemones, large and small–polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals, and small crustaceans, when underfed.

Although Centropyge fisheri do well in a “community” type setup, like all Pygmy Angelfish, they can be aggressive and intolerant of their own species or any other fish of similar color or shape.  You can count on them becoming aggressive when housed with other dwarf angelfish species.

Fisher’s Angelfish have not successfully been bred in an aquarium environment but have been hybridized with Centropyge flavicauda.

In their natural environment, Fisher’s Angelfish feed on microalgae, diatoms, worms and small crustaceans.   In an aquarium environment containing copious amounts of live rock, it is important that they are fed a varied diet of Spirulina, marine algae, brine shrimp, mysis, any one of the many commercial high quality angelfish preparations containing sponges, and other meaty foods.   This species does best when fed several times a day.

Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri) are available to tropical fish keeping enthusiasts from a variety of sources online at reasonable prices at approximate purchase sizes of: Small: 3/4 inch to 1 inch, Medium: 1 inch to 2 inch, Large: 2 inch to 3 inch

Fisher’s Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Aquarium Type: Community or Reef with caution
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Aquarium Hardiness: Very Hardy
Water Conditions: 68-79° F, 8 to 12 dGH , pH 8.0 – 8.5, sg 1.020-1.026
Max. Size: 2.5″
Color Form: Brown, Blue, Orange
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Single species
Origin: Indo-Pacific as far north as the Hawaiian Islands
Family: Pomacanthidae
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate