African Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)
Fish in the family Pomacanthidae. Moderate care. Reef Safe with Caution.
Quick facts
Appearance
The African Pygmy Angelfish has a deep blue to purple-black body with distinctive yellow-orange markings on the face, gill plates, and a yellow ocellus (eye-spot) on the dorsal fin. The fish is laterally compressed with a rounded body shape typical of pygmy angelfish, reaching about 5.5 inches at maturity.
Diet and feeding
In captivity, feed a varied diet of high-quality marine flakes or pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, spirulina-based foods, and occasional live copepods to encourage natural foraging behavior. Offer food 2–3 times daily in small portions.
Difficulty and care for the African Pygmy Angelfish
Moderately challenging. Requires stable water conditions, proper feeding, and careful acclimation. Can be territorial and may nip at corals or sponges, particularly in smaller tanks or if underfed.
Common health issues
Ich (White Spot Disease), marine velvet, fin rot, parasitic infections
Origin and habitat
Western Africa, found along the coast from Mauritania to Angola in rocky and reef areas at depths of 10–100 meters.
Log African Pygmy Angelfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track African Pygmy Angelfish alongside everything else in your reef.
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