Flameback Angelfish

The Flameback Angelfish is a small and strikingly colored dwarf angelfish originating from the reefs of East Africa and the western Indian Ocean. Its body is predominantly a deep sapphire blue, highlighted by a brilliant orange-yellow dorsal stripe that runs from the head along the back to the base of the tail, giving the species its common name. The tail fin is typically yellow, creating a beautiful contrast against the blue body. Growing to just 3 inches, it is one of the most manageable and attractive dwarf angelfish available.

In the wild, Centropyge acanthops is found along the coastlines of East Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania southward to South Africa, as well as around Indian Ocean island groups including the Maldives, Mauritius, and Madagascar. It inhabits coral rubble and rocky reef areas at depths of 5 to 40 meters, often occurring in small loose groups. Like other members of its genus, the Flameback Angelfish is a protogynous hermaphrodite, living in harems where the dominant female transitions to male when needed.

The Flameback Angelfish is widely regarded as one of the hardiest and most beginner-friendly dwarf angelfish species. It acclimates readily to captive conditions, accepts a variety of prepared foods with minimal fuss, and is generally less prone to coral nipping than many of its Centropyge relatives. However, as with all dwarf angelfish, individual specimens may occasionally pick at LPS corals or zoanthids, so it is classified as reef-safe with caution. Its small size, bold coloration, and easy-going temperament make it an excellent choice for aquarists seeking their first dwarf angelfish.