Half-Black Angelfish

The Half-Black Angelfish is a distinctive and hardy dwarf angelfish easily recognized by its unique two-tone coloration. The front half of the body is a pale pearly gray to tan color, while the rear half transitions into a solid dark black, creating the characteristic look that gives this species its common name. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in a vibrant electric blue, adding an attractive accent to the overall appearance.

Widely distributed across the Indo-Pacific, the Half-Black Angelfish is one of the most commonly available and affordable dwarf angelfish in the aquarium trade. It is found on coral reefs and rocky slopes from Indonesia and the Philippines through Melanesia and Micronesia. In the wild, it is known to hybridize with Centropyge eibli and Centropyge flavissima where their ranges overlap, sometimes producing attractively patterned offspring.

This species is considered one of the easiest dwarf angelfish to keep in captivity, readily accepting a wide variety of prepared foods and adapting quickly to aquarium conditions. Its hardiness makes it an excellent choice for aquarists looking to keep their first dwarf angelfish. As with all Centropyge species, there is some risk of coral nipping in reef aquariums, though the Half-Black Angelfish is generally regarded as one of the less problematic species in this regard.