Shepard's Angelfish (Centropyge shepardi)

Fish in the family Pomacanthidae. Hard care. Reef Safe with Caution.

Shepard's Angelfish

Quick facts

Scientific nameCentropyge shepardi
FamilyPomacanthidae
Care levelHard
Reef safetyReef Safe with Caution
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
Dietomnivore
Adult size5.5 in
Minimum tank size70 gallons
Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.023-1.025
Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Shepard's Angelfish is a striking dwarf angelfish with a primarily dark navy-blue body and distinctive bright yellow-orange vertical bars or stripes running along the sides. The head and gill covers display vibrant orange-yellow coloration, and the dorsal and anal fins are rimmed with the same warm tones, creating a bold contrast against the dark body.

Diet and feeding

Offer a varied diet including high-quality angelfish pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, spirulina-based flakes, and occasional blanched vegetables. Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions to maintain water quality.

Difficulty and care for the Shepard's Angelfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Common health issues

Ich, parasites, stress-related diseases, poor acclimation

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and parts of the Great Barrier Reef. Found in deep coral reef environments, typically at depths of 40–200 meters.

Log Shepard's 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 Shepard's Angelfish alongside everything else in your reef.