Flame Angelfish – Centropyge loricula
The flame angelfish comes from the Western-South and Central-Pacific ocean region. This is an attractive dwarf angelfish that should do well in a mature saltwater aquarium.
Maximum Size: The maximum length is 4.0 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons or larger tank is appropriate
Care Level: The flame angelfish is a relatively hardy fish to maintain. If its needs are met, it should do well. On a scale of 1 –10, (10 being easy) it would rate a “7”. It should be introduced into a tank that is matured, has plenty of live rock to graze on and prey/food items in the sand substrate.
Tank Conditions: Temperature 77 - 79°F; Specific gravity: 1.020 – 1.024; pH: 8.1 – 8.3; nitrate should be no more than 20 ppm.
Color: The flame angelfish is a beautiful fish. Its primary colors are red with blue/blackish vertical stripes. The fins will be tipped with blue colorations. This is one of the fish with the best colorations. The one in our 90-gallon tank looks almost like a neon sign swimming around.
Temperament: The flame angel is not overly aggressive and should do well with other non-aggressive tank mates. Do not put two flame angels in the same tank though – they will probably fight. It would also be wise to introduce the flame angelfish as one of the last fish into the tank.
Reef Compatible: No – the flame angelfish may bite at or eat corals and clams. We learned that when we introduced the one pictured into a tank. Other people have stated that they have had better luck in this same situation.
Diet: Omnivore - will take a varied diet of chopped shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped squid and clams as well as flake food and plant matter such as spirulina and marine algae. They should be fed 2-3 times each day. High quality vitamin enriched foods should be fed several times each week. Also – as previously stated they will graze on live rock.
Habitat: Provide with plenty of hiding places and live rock growth for grazing on and to use for shelter. Good water quality is important. Angelfish need good water quality for health and color retention.
Lighting: No special lighting conditions.
Compatibility: Flame angelfish in general can be kept with small non-aggressive fish such as firefish and cardinalfish. They should not be housed with sharks, rays, large species angelfish, moray eels and groupers. It can be a problem if housed with triggerfish. Check with your aquarium shop if you plan on buying one of these fish.
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