Half-black Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge vroliki)

Centropyge vroliki, the Half-black or Pearlscale Angelfish, is one of the more commonly available and reliably adaptable dwarf angelfish in the marine hobby. Its distinctive coloration — a creamy white anterior half sharply transitioning to dark gray-black posteriorly, with a bright yellow ring around the eye — creates a bold, bicolored pattern that stands out attractively against live rock and coral. Hardier and less demanding than many Centropyge species, it is a solid choice for intermediate marine aquarists building their first reef or FOWLR system. It grazes heavily on filamentous microalgae from rock surfaces and requires a varied diet including algae-based foods alongside meaty preparations. May occasionally nip at large-polyp stony corals.

Provide a minimum 120-liter aquarium with abundant live rock for grazing and shelter. Offer a varied diet including marine algae sheets, spirulina flake, frozen mysis, and sponge-enriched angel preparations. Keep only one per tank unless in a very large system where territories can be established. Monitor behavior with LPS corals. Establishes well in mature systems with natural microalgae growth on rocks.