Flameback Angelfish Care Sheet
By Christeena
- Flameback Angelfish: African Pygmy Angelfish – Centropyge acanthops
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore, greens, pellet, flake
- Reef Safe: With caution
- Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
The Flameback Angelfish, also known as the African Pygmy Angelfish or Dwarf Flameback Angelfish, is part of the Pomacanthidae family of Angelfish originating from Africa. The Flameback hails from the same family as Blue Faced Angelfish, Emperor Angelfish and the Majestic Angelfish. This Angel has vibrant contrasts of blue and orange-yellow colors. The Flameback Angel is a dwarf member of “larger” angels, growing only to around 3 inches. The Flameback Angelfish, unlike most Angelfish, are not as difficult to care for.
What Size Tank Does a Flameback Angelfish Require
Since this Angel is easier to care for than others and is a dwarf, a smaller tank, at least 20 gallons, is just fine. It is important to provide your Flameback with plenty of quality cured live rock and great aquascape, such as caves, archways and overhangs to hide and swim through. Dwarf Flameback Angelfish are typically peaceful but will quarrel with members of their own species and even genus. For the most part, they are “model citizens”, but can spontaneously go after corals and clams. To prevent this, be sure to keep your Angel well fed. It might even be a good idea to purchase a younger fish, hoping it settles down and learns to eat a captive diet instead of your beautiful coral and tasty clams.
Water Quality for Flameback Angelfish
Water quality must be high for these fish. Parameters are equally as important. Specific gravity should be maintained between 1.020-1.025, temperature 72-78° F, pH 8.1-8.4, Alk. 8-12. Nitrite and ammonia levels should be 0 ppm while nitrates should be as close to 0 ppm as possible, and most certainly <20 ppm.
Are Flameback Angelfish Reef Safe?
Flameback Angelfish can be in your reef tank but take caution as they need to be well fed, they need places to hide and swim, and it’s a great idea pair female and males or female and female. Pair two males will result in a battle to the death. The likelihood of your Angel going for the coral is on an individual fish basis. Don’t let this intimidate you. Starting with the Flameback Angelfish is a great way to get familiar with angelfish in the Pomacanthidae, since they are more of a moderate level fish.
Related Articles:
The Attractive & Demanding Regal Angelfish
Majestic Angelfish / Blue Girdled Angelfish Care Sheet
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