Coral Beauty Angelfish

Overview

Physical Description

• Size: They typically reach a maximum length of around 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm), making them suitable for smaller aquariums.
• Coloration: The body features a dramatic contrast between a deep, sapphire blue or purple, and bright orange, red, or yellow flanks. The caudal (tail) fin is often the same deep blue/purple as the rest of the body, sometimes with a subtle red outline.
• Sexual Dimorphism: There is little visual difference between males and females (monomorphic).

Habitat and Diet in the Wild

• Natural Habitat: Originating from the Indo-Pacific region, they are found among coral reefs and lagoons, often darting between rock crevices and coral formations.
• Diet: They are omnivores. In the wild, their diet consists primarily of filamentous algae and detritus.

Aquarium Care and Compatibility

• Tank Requirements: A minimum tank size of 30 to 50 gallons is generally recommended. They require plenty of live rock with hiding places and crevices to feel secure and forage for food.
• Diet in Captivity: They readily accept a variety of aquarium foods, including high-quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen preparations like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and spirulina. A diet rich in vegetable matter is crucial for their long-term health.
• Temperament: They are considered semi-aggressive. While generally peaceful with other fish of similar size, they can be territorial toward other dwarf angelfish and may nip at certain types of corals (especially large-polyped stony corals or soft corals) if underfed or in a confined space.
• Reef Compatibility: They are considered “reef-safe with caution.” Many hobbyists successfully keep them in a reef tank, but their tendency to nip at corals or clam mantles means their behavior should be monitored closely.

Summary

Approximate Purchase Size: 2″ to 3″