Coral Beauty

The Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa) is a vibrant and hardy species that stands out due to its bright coloration and relatively peaceful nature. Its striking purple, orange, and blue hues make it a favorite in reef aquariums, though caution is advised as it may nibble on corals and invertebrates.

(REEF SAFE WITH CAUTION / INTERMEDIATE)

Essential Information:

• Common Names: Coral Beauty Angelfish, Coral Beauty, Pygmy Angelfish
• Scientific Name: Centropyge bispinosa
• Family: Pomacanthidae
• Origin/Habitat: Native to the Indo-Pacific, including areas like the Philippines, Fiji, and Indonesia. It is commonly found in coral reefs, lagoons, and rocky areas at depths of 10 to 60 feet.
• Maximum Size: Up to 3 inches (7.5 cm)
• Lifespan: Typically 5–8 years with proper care
• Level of Difficulty: Intermediate; requires stable water parameters, a well-established tank, and monitoring of tank mates, especially in reef settings.

Appearance & Physical Traits:

• Coloration & Pattern: The Coral Beauty Angelfish is known for its beautiful blend of vibrant colors. Its body is primarily a deep blue to purple, with bright orange accents along the edges of the fins and a yellowish patch around the tail. The colors are more vivid in males.
• Body Shape & Structure: It has a compact, oval-shaped body with a blunt snout and long fins. Like other angelfishes, its sharp dorsal fin and elongated tail help it swim gracefully through the water.

Habitat & Environmental Needs:

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (113 liters) or larger.
• Water Temperature: Maintain between 74°F and 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
• pH Level: Keep between 8.1 and 8.4.
• Specific Gravity: Optimal range is 1.023 to 1.025.
• Aquascape: Provide plenty of live rock for grazing, hiding spots, and a well-established reef environment. The Coral Beauty Angelfish will appreciate areas where it can retreat when stressed.

Diet & Feeding:

• Diet Type: Omnivorous
• Preferred Foods: The Coral Beauty Angelfish enjoys a varied diet, including algae, spirulina, and high-quality pellets or flakes. It also consumes frozen foods like mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and finely chopped fish.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed 1–2 times daily, offering a mix of plant-based and protein-based foods to ensure a well-rounded diet.

Behavior & Compatibility:

• Temperament: Peaceful, though it can become territorial, especially toward other angelfish or similar species. It is generally a calm and curious species that enjoys exploring its environment.
• Social Behavior: Best kept singly or in small groups of females. Males can become territorial and may display aggression toward other males. A larger tank is needed for multiple individuals.
• Tank Mate Compatibility: Compatible with most peaceful reef fish, although caution should be exercised in reef tanks. It may nip at corals and other invertebrates. Avoid keeping it with overly aggressive species or other angelfish unless the tank is large enough.
• Activity Level: Active and inquisitive, often seen darting between rocks and corals. It enjoys swimming in the open water column but also takes refuge in crevices and caves.

Care Considerations & Additional Notes:

• Ease of Care: The Coral Beauty Angelfish is relatively hardy but requires stable water quality and a balanced diet. It’s best suited for intermediate aquarists who can maintain consistent tank conditions.
• Special Requirements: While it can be kept in a reef tank, the Coral Beauty Angelfish may nibble on soft corals or sessile invertebrates. Ensure that the tank has a variety of algae and grazing opportunities to keep it well-fed.
• Breeding Info: Breeding this species in captivity is rare, and little is known about their breeding behavior in aquariums.
• Additional Notes: The Coral Beauty Angelfish is a visually stunning addition to reef tanks, though its potential for nibbling on corals means it is better suited for fish-only or fish and invertebrate tanks with hardy coral species.