Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: With Caution
General Description: The Keyhole Angelfish, also known as the Melas or Tibicen Angelfish, is found throughout the Indo-Pacific. Often overlooked given its simple appearance, the Keyhole angel is mainly dark black in color with a white crescent or “keyhole” shape in the middle of its body for which its name is derived. One of the larger species in the Centropyge genus, an adult Keyhole angel can grow to approximately 7″. Note: All of our Keyhole angels are selectively sourced from more sustainable locations, such as Melanesia.
Diet Requirements: In the wild angelfish are very omnivorous. A varied diet of high quality algae, proteins, pellets, flakes, and enriched frozen foods are important for best coloration, immune function and optimal health.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Keyhole angel. This angelfish absolutely requires a set-up with live rock to graze algae and diatoms off of. Upon introduction, the Keyhole angel can be quite shy and secretive but will become more courageous with time. The Keyhole angel may have territorial – aggressive conflicts with conspecifics (including other species within the genus) that are not introduced at the same time as it. If you want to house multiple types of angelfish together, it is best to add them all at once, or closely together at the very least, and as juvenile or sub-adult specimens (which are not nearly as territorial as adults) for the best chance of success. The Keyhole angel is to be added “with caution” into a reef aquarium, as some individuals have been observed to nip corals, while others have been kept in a reef setting with no issue. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size:Â Small: 1″ to 2″; Medium: 2″ to 3″; Large: 3″ to 4-1/2″
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
