Orange-back angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Other names
African flameback angelfish, African pygmy angelfish, Jumping bean
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Western Indian Ocean, Somalia to East London (South Africa), Madagascar, the Seychelles, Arabian Sea and Maldives; coral rubble, 1–70 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
8 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
150 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
with_caution

Care

Provide rubble and rock with plenty of hiding places and some algae growth. The minimum tank size of about 150 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. Social, living in groups of up to ten in the wild. Deep blue body with a golden-orange band from the face along the back and dorsal fin, and a clear tail. Common and popular; bred in captivity. The article gives no IUCN category. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centropygeacanthops). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats algae and small invertebrates. Provide live rock to graze and offer frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, marine algae 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. Spawns at dusk; the male nudges the female's belly to prompt egg release and the eggs drift away. The dominant female becomes male, and the change can reverse. Bred in captivity.

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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