African Flameback Angelfish ( Centropyge acanthops )

Scientific Name : Centropyge acanthops

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Care Level : Beginner

Disposition : Semi-aggressive

Min. Tank Size : 24 gallons

Mature Size : 3 inches

Diet : Omnivore

Range : Africa

Other Common Names

African Pygmy Angelfish, Orangeback Angelfish, Jumping Bean Angelfish

Species Description

This feisty little jewel is one of the smallest of the Centropyge family. All of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish in the Centropyge genus are among the hardiest in the entire Angelfish family. They are very similar in color and shape to the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus). The biggest difference being the light colored, yellow caudal fin of the African Flameback Angelfish.

These fish are some of the best suited for a reef tank among the genus but caution should still be used when adding them to tanks with meaty brain type corals such as Cynarina spp. or Trachyphyllia spp. African Flameback Angelfish are not known for picking at clam mantles but, again, caution is advised. They may occasionally chase or defend their territories against intruding non-sessile invertebrates like shrimp or crabs but will typically leave such invertebrates completely alone.

Diet

African Flameback Angelfish will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods. It is best to feed frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina algae if the African Flameback Angelfish is not kept in a well established aquarium with live rock.