Rusty Angelfish

The Rusty Angelfish is a hardy and often overlooked dwarf angelfish that deserves far more attention than it typically receives in the hobby. Its body displays a warm rusty orange-brown base color accented with dark black spots and markings, particularly concentrated on the posterior half of the body and the dorsal area. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in a subtle blue, adding a refined accent to its earthy overall appearance.

Found throughout the Western Pacific, primarily around Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Indonesia, the Rusty Angelfish inhabits rocky reefs and coral slopes at moderate depths. It is relatively common in its natural range and is one of the more affordable dwarf angelfish available in the aquarium trade. Despite its modest coloration compared to flashier species like the Flame or Coral Beauty, it is highly valued by experienced aquarists for its exceptional hardiness and interesting behavior.

The Rusty Angelfish is considered one of the easiest dwarf angelfish to keep in captivity, readily accepting a wide range of prepared foods and adapting quickly to aquarium conditions. Its robust constitution makes it an excellent choice for aquarists keeping their first dwarf angelfish or those who want a reliable and long-lived Centropyge species. While it carries the standard reef-caution rating for dwarf angelfish, it is generally considered one of the less likely species to cause problems in reef aquariums.