Venusta Angelfish

The Venusta Angelfish is a rare and strikingly colored deepwater species that features a bold combination of vibrant purple and bright yellow, creating one of the most visually dramatic color schemes in the dwarf angelfish world. The body is predominantly a rich golden-yellow, with a distinctive deep purple or violet mask covering the face and extending through the eye area, giving rise to its alternative common name, the Purplemask Angelfish. The dorsal and anal fins are edged in brilliant blue, adding further visual complexity to this already stunning species. At approximately 4 inches, it is appropriately sized for medium reef aquariums.

In the wild, Paracentropyge venusta inhabits the deeper zones of coral reefs across the Western Pacific, from southern Japan through Indonesia, the Philippines, and Palau. It is typically found at depths of 20 to 60 meters, often in and around caves, crevices, and steep drop-offs where it feeds on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates. The deepwater habitat and shy nature of this species make it challenging to collect, contributing to its rarity and relatively high price in the aquarium trade. The genus Paracentropyge is closely related to Centropyge but is distinguished by several anatomical features.

The Venusta Angelfish is an intermediate-level species that benefits from an established aquarium with plenty of rockwork providing caves and hiding spots, mimicking the deep reef crevices it inhabits in nature. As a deepwater species, it may initially be sensitive to bright lighting and should be provided with shaded retreat areas. Like other dwarf angelfish, there is some risk of coral nipping, though this species tends to be less aggressive toward corals than many Centropyge. A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended, with only one dwarf angelfish per system. Its exceptional beauty and relative rarity make it a highly desirable addition for experienced reef aquarists.