Resplendent Angelfish

The Resplendent Angelfish is among the rarest and most geographically restricted dwarf angelfish in the world, found exclusively around the remote volcanic Ascension Island in the central Atlantic Ocean. Its body is a vivid metallic blue with a contrasting golden-yellow to orange back and dorsal region, creating a bicolor pattern that is both bold and elegant. Delicate blue edging on the fins and a subtle iridescence across the scales give this species a jewel-like quality that fully justifies its resplendent name.

Ascension Island lies roughly midway between South America and Africa, making it one of the most isolated islands in the Atlantic. The Resplendent Angelfish inhabits the rocky reefs and rubble zones surrounding the island, typically at depths of 15 to 40 meters, though it has been recorded deeper. Its extreme geographic isolation means that wild collection is logistically very challenging and tightly regulated by the British government, which administers the island. For decades, this made the species virtually unobtainable for aquarists.

The development of captive breeding programs has been transformative for the availability of this species. Several specialty breeders have successfully raised Centropyge resplendens, making captive-bred juveniles available to dedicated hobbyists willing to invest in their care. Despite this improved accessibility, expert-level husbandry is still required. The species needs a well-established aquarium with mature live rock, stable water chemistry, and a calm environment with non-aggressive tankmates to thrive.