Multicolor angelfish (Centropyge multicolor) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
Pearlback angelfish
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Western and central Pacific, Palau and Guam to Fiji, Tonga and the Society Islands; rubble patches on outer reef slopes, 20–90 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
9 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

Provide rock and rubble with caves and some shaded areas, as it comes from deeper water. The minimum tank size of about 200 litres is our own estimate from the adult size and habits, not a figure from the sources. No species-specific water figures are given in the sources, so the values here are general marine aquarium guidance rather than figures for this fish: 24–27 °C, pH 8.1–8.4 and a specific gravity of 1.023–1.026. Keep conditions stable, with low nitrate and good oxygenation. Shy; lives in harems of three to seven fish. Pale peach to orange with a black-spotted blue patch behind the eye, bright blue dorsal and anal fins, a yellow tail and a silvery-white patch on the upper flank. Traded mostly from the Pacific; captive-bred fish are available. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centropygemulticolor). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Mainly herbivorous, grazing algae, and may take small bottom-living animals. Provide live rock and offer marine algae, spirulina foods, frozen mysis and quality pellets two or three times a day.

Breeding

Marine angelfish are pelagic broadcast spawners: a pair rises into the water column, usually around dusk, and releases eggs and sperm together. Protogynous hermaphrodite. Captive-bred fish are produced commercially.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as reef safe with caution. Dwarf angelfish graze live rock and may nip large-polyp stony corals, zoanthids and clam mantles, especially when underfed. Keep one per tank (or one male with females in a large system) and avoid other Centropyge unless the tank is big and well furnished. Generally fine with clownfish, gobies, wrasses and tangs.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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