Whitetail Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge flavicauda)

Centropyge flavicauda is a small and secretive pygmy angelfish distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Maldives to the Line Islands, displaying a deep blue-purple body that fades into a distinctively pale white or cream caudal fin — a striking contrast in suitable lighting. It is among the shyer and more cryptic dwarf angels, spending much of its time exploring rubble zones and deeper reef crevices. A rewarding and somewhat uncommon species for the dedicated marine hobbyist.

Provide a minimum 150 L reef tank with extensive live rock caves and rubble zones for shelter. Feed a varied diet including spirulina flakes, nori, frozen mysis, and small meaty foods twice daily. Maintain temperature 24–27°C, SG 1.020–1.025. Shy — avoid boisterous tank mates and give the fish time to settle in over several weeks before judging its condition. Generally reef safe with caution around prized soft corals.