Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Half Black Angelfish, sometimes called the Pearlscale Angelfish, like its name describes is black on its rear half and cream or pearl in coloration on its front half. Native to the Indo-Pacific ranging from Christmas Island in the west to Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands in the east, north to Taiwan and south to Lord Howe Island. They can reach approximately 4 inches long as adults. Interestingly juveniles of the Mimic Surgeonfish mimic this angelfish in appearance.
Diet Requirements: Largely herbivorous in the wild, they will also feed on sponges. Offer a diet of frozen shrimps, angel specific frozen foods, herbivorous foods such as Spirulina, Chlorella, and marine sheet algae, a high quality marine flake or pellet, and other enriched frozen foods for optimal health, color, and longevity.
Care Requirements: They require a minimum 75 gallon aquarium with lots of hiding places, and live rock for grazing. One of the more aggressive members of the genus, the Half Black Angel is best kept as the only dwarf angelfish in the aquarium. The Centropyge genus includes some of the best angelfish for a reef system. Take caution however, as this angel may eat soft coral polyps, clams, and zoanthids. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Small: 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/2″; Large: 2-1/2″ to 4-1/2″
Â
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.
