Care Requirements for Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)
- Care Level: Moderate
- Minimum Tank Size:70 gallons
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Diet: Omnivore
- Reef Compatible: With Caution
- Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.021-1.025
- Max. Size: 5½”
- Family: Pomacanthidae
This brightly colored dwarf Angelfish will add a bit of pop to any tank. Use caution and monitor closely as this little guy’s stature hides a rather aggressive and pugnacious temperament. They are known to be territorial and have taken out fish twice their size to defend their corner of the tank.
With the proper care, however, the lemonpeel angelfish will provide plenty of enjoyment. They like to zip around the waters in constant movement and feeding. The brightly colored yellow gives the lemonpeel its name, but the very thin lines of blue at the tips of the dorsal fin and encircling the eye-socket can give the fish an outright eerie look.
Acclimating Lemonpeel Angelfish
Given its territorial predilections, lemonpeel angelfish should always be added last. It is also recommended to only have one per tank. Two males, like most fish species, will most definitely fight to the death. The best chance to get two or even three of the Lemonpeel Angel’s into the tank together is to have one male and one of two female. Keep in mind they must all be introduced to the tank at the same time.
Allow approximately three hours for acclimation to help the fish keep a peaceful temperament.
Breeding Lemonpeel Angelfish
This will not typically occur if there is not a very large tank and high comfort level. Lemonpeel angelfish do reproduce by external fertilization with egg and sperm being released simultaneously near the top of the tank. This usually will happen around dusk, or in lighting that replicates dusk, and in water above 79 degrees. Interestingly enough, the fertilized eggs hatch in 24 hours producing dozens of hungry baby larvae.
All angelfish are hermaphroditic meaning they are all born as females. The more dominant will eventually become the male and adopt more aggressive behavior. If that fish were to die, the next dominant fish in the hierarchy will actually transition into a male fish.
Care & Tank Conditions for Lemonpeel Angelfish
If adapted well, the lemonpeel angelfish can live for up to ten years in captivity. The fish can be kept in a coral tank but needs to have their behavior monitored closely. Plenty of good hiding place with deep crevasses in the rock formation is necessary for the fish to hide when feeling stressed.
Water filtration is key to overall good health. Change 10-20% of the tank water each week in a tank that is 90 gallons or larger. Keeping the environment as clean and free of toxins as possible will prevent the spread of disease and harmful parasites.
Feeding Habits of Lemonpeel Angelfish
Their diet is mostly that of an herbivore, although you should supplement it with meaty proteins at times. They should be fed 2-3 times a day with plenty of live rock for grazing. A tank will typically need to be at least 6 months old to provide enough naturally grown algae to support a lemonpeel angelfish’s constant grazing.
Dried algae flakes, seaweed, and pirulina-enriched pellets are all good nutritional options for this fish.
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