Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Indian Ocean: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Andaman Sea
Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits coral rubble areas on outer reef slopes and at bases of drop offs between 10 to 70 feet (3 – 20 m). Feeds mainly on algae, worms, and crustaceans.
General Husbandry: This dwarf angelfish has bright yellow pectoral fins and its basically dark brown body often has metallic blue vertical stripes. Not seen often in the trade, as its not as colorful as many others in the genus, but nevertheless, this is one of the more hardy species. Its recommended this species be added to a well-established aquarium containing lots of live rock as it that will provide it many caves and crevices to explore and/or hide in when feeling threatened.
Diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponge matter, fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and other meaty items.
Two feedings per day is highly recommended, as underfed specimens have a tendency to pester corals and other invertebrates. Its also recommended there be only one species from this dwarf angelfish genus in the aquarium, as they tend to develop aggression to other dwarf angelfish species.
Not suited for small nano style aquariums, as they will become very aggressive in small surroundings, and furthermore, without numerous feedings per day, be able to find enough food to be maintained long-term.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Centropyge
FYI: All Centropyge species start life as unsexed individuals, but begin their adult life as females. Then, the larger or more dominant individual within small groups will change sex within a few days to a couple of weeks and become a male. Knowing that size is the main difference between the sexes, and not so much its coloration, all one needs to do is place a small and larger specimen together. Within approximately sixty days one of the two fish will have physically changed sex to accommodate the other. A reversal of this sex change is possible if the need arises, but that requires much more time, e.g., weeks to months.
Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef aquarium (see below) or fish-only aquarium
Reef Safe: With caution – underfed specimens have a tendency to nip clam mantles, sea anemones, and large and small–polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals.
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F (22 – 27°C).
Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.027
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
