African Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops)

The African Pygmy Angelfish is a small but vibrantly coloured species from the Western Indian Ocean, displaying a striking deep blue body with a vivid orange cap covering the head and upper back that creates a bold, contrasting two-tone pattern. It is moderately challenging to maintain and requires a well-established aquarium with abundant live rock and natural microalgae growth to provide the grazing opportunities this species requires. Not commonly available in the European trade, making each specimen a prized find for marine collectors.

House in a well-established reef or FOWLR aquarium (minimum 100 L) with abundant live rock for grazing and shelter. Maintain stable marine parameters (pH 8.1–8.4, SG 1.020–1.025, temperature 23–27°C). Feed varied omnivore diet: quality marine flake, frozen Mysis, frozen Artemia, and spirulina-enhanced foods alongside natural microalgae grazing. Like all Centropyge, may nip at LPS corals and clam mantles in full reef setups — observe carefully.