Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) care guide

Group
Marine fish
Family
Pomacanthidae (marine angelfishes)
Origin
Western Pacific, southern Japan to southern Taiwan and the Philippines; seaward rocky reefs and rubble with dense algae, 6–30 m
Water
saltwater
Maximum size
10 cm
Temperature
24–27°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Hardness
Salinity SG 1.023–1.026
Minimum tank
200 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
semi_aggressive
Reef safe
yes

Care

Provide plenty of rock with grazing surfaces and caves. 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. Found alone or in small groups. Rusty tan with dark spots and a reddish tint near the anal fin, with blue edges to the dorsal and anal fins. Traded and bred in captivity. IUCN: Least Concern. Sources: Wikipedia, List of marine aquarium fish species (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofmarineaquariumfishspecies); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centropygeferrugata). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Eats filamentous algae, detritus, sponges, small snails and some coral polyps. Provide live rock to graze 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. It has been bred and reared in captivity.

Compatibility and tank mates

Listed as reef safe, but the article notes coral polyps in its diet, so watch large-polyp stony corals and clams. Keep one per tank with peaceful reef fish; avoid other dwarf angelfish in small tanks.

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

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