The Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa), also known as the Two-Spined Angelfish, is a vibrant and hardy marine fish popular among aquarists for its striking appearance and relatively easy care requirements.
Key Information
• Small fish safe: ✅ Yes
• Small invert safe: ⚠️ With caution
• Coral safe: ⚠️ With caution
• Minimum tank size: 150 liters (40 gallons)
• Adult size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches)
• Diet: Omnivorous (marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, high-quality flake and pellet foods)
• Be aware of: May nip at corals and clams; requires ample live rock for grazing and hiding; can be territorial, especially towards similar species.
Appearance and Coloration
The Coral Beauty Angelfish displays a stunning blend of colors:
• Body: Deep blue or purple along the back and upper sides, transitioning to vibrant orange or yellow hues on the lower sides and belly.
• Fins: Dorsal and anal fins are typically blue or purple, often edged with a lighter shade.
This vivid coloration makes the Coral Beauty a standout addition to marine aquariums.
Natural Habitat and Behavior
In the wild, Coral Beauty Angelfish are found throughout the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and lagoons. They prefer areas with abundant coral and rock structures, which provide both food sources and shelter. These fish are typically seen either solitary or in small groups and are known to be territorial.
Tank Requirements and Water Parameters
To ensure the well-being of the Coral Beauty Angelfish in captivity:
• Minimum Tank Size: A 40-gallon (150 liters) aquarium is suitable for a single specimen.
• Water Parameters:
• Temperature: 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F)
• pH: 8.1 – 8.4
• Specific Gravity: 1.022 – 1.025
• Aquascaping: Provide plenty of live rock to create hiding spots and grazing areas, mimicking their natural reef environment.
• Lighting: Moderate lighting is sufficient.
• Water Movement: Moderate flow to simulate their natural habitat.
Maintaining stable water conditions and regular water changes are crucial for their health.
Diet and Feeding
Coral Beauty Angelfish are omnivorous, with a diet that includes both plant and animal matter:
• Diet: Offer a varied diet consisting of:
• Marine algae and spirulina
• Mysis shrimp
• Brine shrimp
• High-quality flake and pellet foods
• Feeding Frequency: Feed small amounts multiple times daily to meet their metabolic needs.
Providing ample live rock will allow natural grazing behavior, which is beneficial for their health and well-being.
Compatibility and Social Structure
Coral Beauty Angelfish can exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards conspecifics and similar species:
• Social Structure: Best kept singly unless in a very large aquarium where multiple individuals can establish territories.
• Temperament: Generally peaceful towards other species but may become aggressive towards similar-looking fish.
• Compatible Tank Mates: Suitable companions include peaceful community fish such as gobies, blennies, and wrasses. Caution is advised when housing with other angelfish or species with similar coloration.
Observing their interactions and providing ample space can help mitigate aggressive behaviors.
Important Considerations
• Reef Compatibility: While often considered reef-safe, individual specimens may nip at corals and clams. Monitoring their behavior is essential, especially in reef setups.
• Acclimation: They may be shy upon introduction but typically become more confident over time.
• Health: Ensure a varied diet and stable water conditions to prevent common health issues.
With proper care and attention to their specific needs, Coral Beauty Angelfish can be a vibrant and rewarding addition to a marine aquarium.