Dwarf Angelfish:
The Dwarf Angelfish of the genus Centropyge are some of the most common and beautiful of all marine fish. This includes such fish as the Bi-color Angelfish, the Flame Angel, the Coral Beauty, Lemonpeel Angel, flameback Angel, the Potteri Angel, the Elbi Angelfish, and many others commonly offered. These fish are great additions to many tanks.
Angelfish of this genus are typically 3-5 inches, with a few (like the Coral Beauty and the Keyhole) growing up to 6-7. They are usually easier to maintain then the larger Angelfish in captivity. The main problem in this genus is the collection of the species for trade. These fish often are collected with cyanide poisoning, due to the areas of the world, and depths of the ocean in which they inhabit. Therefore, it is essential to get a healthy specimen that is active and eating readily in the store, and has been in the store for at least a couple weeks or so. This is one of the main keys to keeping these fish. Also, with fish like the Flame Angelfish, try to get specimens imported from Hawaii, as these fish are much better caught, usually by hand.
Another main key is quarantine, which we must mention in every article here, but cannot be stressed enough. A 2-4 weeks quarantine period is essential for these fish in particular, and will save one many many problems with them not eating and succumbing to disease. More info on this is contained throughout the site, as it truly separates successful hobbyists and non-successful ones to a great degree (especially with those that have reef tanks or aggressive fish in the tank).
These fish are often rather expensive, but not when one considers why this is so. One can expect to pay about 10 (USA) an inch for the fish, an average of 40$ on the East Coast of the USA. It is well worth it though, as they can live up to 15 years in the wild, and over ten years wouldn’t be uncommon in the aquarium. Why so expensive? These fish often come from great depths, up to 300 feet in many species. So not only does the equipment and education cost more to go down further in the ocean, but the time it takes to do this, PLUS the time it takes to decompress not only the divers, but also the fish (which have to make more frequent decompression stops), one can see how the price is really a bargain in many ways. Of course, few divers will dive down over 100 feet for a fish, and so the fish are many times also collected closer to the top in many areas, in which many species are more rarely found, increasing the price due to the rarity once more.
The Diet of these fish is not as important in most species as those of the larger angelfish, which feed mainly on sponges, corals, etc. It is still essential to provide them with a balanced diet though, as they are omnivores. They will eat some algae, some Romaine Lettuce, Brine or Mysid (Mysis) shrimp, spirulina and general flakes, etc. "Treat" foods may also be accepted once a week, like Tetra Plankton / Krill. Also, there is a new formula frozen food especially for dwarf angels that would be great to use.
The big question that causes much debate in the saltwater world is, "Are these fish reef-safe?" People will die by their conclusive opinion on this subject, as it is always a subject of heated-debate. In general, less educated hobbyists find themselves saying “No Angelfish is ever safe with Corals” while more educated ones say the opposite. However, even extremely educated hobbyists such as Bob Goemans take the more conservative stand sometimes of "Not really, but depends on the species, and the individual, and the species of the corals to a degree." We will give you the overall accepted view of this subject as of 1999.
Again, quarantine comes into play. If the fish is not accepting prepared foods in captivity, and is starving, then some may seek out new foods, such as corals. Open Brain corals, and sometimes the mantles of Giant Clams, are the most picked on usually. Some fish are more reef-safe than others. It is generally accepted that the Flame Angel is the most reef-safe, along with the flameback (C. acanthops) and the C. asfur (Purple moon Angel). The Shepard’s angelfish, pearlscaled dwarf angel, and resplendant dwarf angel are also generally considered reef-safe by most, but are less commonly offered. The Multibarred angel may be reef-safe, but is very delicate and should not be imported for trade, as they fair poorly. This is the same for the C. potterii. As far as Bicolors and Coral Beauties and so forth, it is somewhat of a risk, but they are generally fine together, and I have seen more coral beauties and other dwarf angels in reef tanks than I can count. They make a truly awesome addition, so while 5% may eat corals, take the chance, and with proper quarantine procedure, you should do fine.
As with all Angelfish, perfect water quality is needed. Also, make sure the tank is up and running for at least 4 months before introducing one into the tank. A quote from a recent article on large Angelfish at our site:
"Acclimating Angelfish is very important, as these fish have been known to go into shock.. Make sure you have the water temp, pH, salinity, etc. at the same level as the quarantine tank. Turn off all the tank lights (greatly reduces aggression) and rearrange some key rocks gently (putting them on equal-ground for space). Make a smooth transfer of the fish. Monitor it constantly (even though it will be hard with the lights off). Turn on the lights 24 hours later. This will be the main aggression display. If there are problems, turn lights off for another 24 hours. Monitor your new fish!!" Good luck!