• Skip to main content
AlgaeBarn

AlgaeBarn

Marine Aquariums Made Easy!

  • Sign In
  • Cart
    • Shop See All
      • Ultimate Packs See All
      • Ultimate Refugium Starter
      • Clam Keeper Kits
      • Ultimate Ecopack
      • Mandarin Feeder Kit
      • Hair Algae Killer Kit
      • See All Ultimate Packs
      • Live Foods See All
      • Copepods
        • Ecopods
        • 5280 Pods
        • Galaxy Pods
        • Poseidon's Feast
        • Tisbe Pods
        • Tig Pods
      • Food Combos
        • Ecopods & Phyto
        • Galaxy Pods & Phyto
        • Poseidon's & Phyto
        • Tig Pods & Phyto
        • Tisbe Pods & Phyto
      • Phytoplankton
        • Oceanmagik
      • Brine Shrimp
        • Simple Brine
        • Nano Brine Shrimp
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Galaxy Pods 5 Species Copepod Blend

          Galaxy Pods

          $66 – $139
          Shop Now
        • Ecopods 4 Pack Special

          $99
          Shop Now
        • Galaxy Pods & Phyto Combo

          $80
          Shop Now
        • 5280 Pods

          $45
          Shop Now
      • Macroalgae See All
      • Clean Macro Series
        • Clean Chaeto
        • Clean Sea Lettuce
        • Clean Green Ogo
        • Clean Mocha Ogo
        • Clean Mocha Spike Sphere
        • Pom Pom
        • Red Ogo
        • Red Spike Sphere
        • Red Spaghetti
        • Red Mangrove
      • Premium Rare Macro
        • Leafy Ogo
        • Blue Hypnea
        • Dragon's Tongue
        • Thick Ogo
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Clean Chaeto

          $20 – $65
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • Clean Sea Lettuce

          $20 – $95
          Shop Now
        • Red Ogo

          $20 – $80
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • Red Mangrove

          $13
          Shop Now
      • Captive Bred Fish See All
      • Gobies
        • Green Mandarin
        • Court Jester Goby
        • Watchman Goby
        • White Spotted Goby
      • AngelFish
        • Biota Coral Beauty
        • Maculosus Angel
        • Majestic Angel
        • Swallowtail Angel
      • Tangs
        • Yellow Tang
        • Blue Tang
      • More Species
        • Grammas
        • FileFish
        • Blennies
        • Damsel
        • ClownFish
        • RabbitFish
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Blue Mandarin

          BIOTA Green Mandarin

          $99
          Shop Now
        • ORA Neon Goby

          $35
          Shop Now
        • Captive Bred Yellow Tangs by BIOTA

          BIOTA Yellow Tang

          $239
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • ORA Premium Picasso

          $145 – $300
          Shop Now
      • Captive Bred Invertebrates See All
      • Clams
        • Ora Derasa Clam
        • Squamosa Clam
        • Ora Gigas Clam
        • Ora Maxima Clam
        • Ora Hippopus Clam
      • Shrimp
        • Ora Peppermint Shrimp
        • Harlequin Shrimp
      • Snails
        • Cerith Snails
        • Trochus Snail
        • Nassarius Snails
      • Urchins
        • Ora Tuxedo Urchin
        • Ora Pincushion Urchin
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Animated gif of peppermint shrimp

          ORA Peppermint Shrimp

          $49 – $119
          Shop Now
        • 10 Cerith Snails

          Cerith Snail

          $25 – $39
          Shop Now
        • pincushion urchin lytechinus variegatus reef safe and captive bred by ora for sale at algaebarn

          ORA Pincushion Urchin

          $29 – $55
          Shop Now
        • Gold Maxima Clam Bed

          ORA Maxima Clam

          $50 – $90
          Notify Me When in Stock
      • Corals See All
      • LPS Corals
        • Biota Pearl Bubble
        • ORA Pearl Bubble
        • ORA Marshall Island Goniopora
        • ORA Marshall Island Hammer
      • SPS Corals
        • ORA Pearlberry Acropora
        • ORA Micronesian Imperial Acropora
        • ORA Turquoise Acropora
        • ORA Micronesian Yellow Porites
      • Soft Corals
        • BIOTA White Polyp Toadstool
        • ORA Long Polyp Leather Coral
        • ORA Silver Xenia
        • ORA Pulsing Xenia
      • Frag Packs
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Biota Pearl Bubble Coral

          $60
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • ORA Pearlberry Acropora

          $290
          Notify Me When in Stock
        • BIOTA White Polyp Toadstool

          $65
          Notify Me When in Stock
      • Additives & Bacteria See All
      • Live Cultures & Bacteria
        • Turbostart 900 Saltwater
        • Aquarium Cycle Kit
        • Coralline Algae
        • PNS Yellosno
        • PNS Probio™
      • Additives & Chemicals
        • Nitrocycle
        • Clarifier
        • Fritz A.C.C.R
        • Fritz RPM Salt
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Mandarin Feeder Kit by Algaebarn

          Mandarin Feeder Kit

          $66
          Shop Now
        • MarinePure 10 Cubes

          2″ Cubes

          $5 – $99
          Shop Now
        • Coralline Algae in a Bottle, In Pink or Purple!

          Coralline Algae

          $22 – $44
          Shop Now
        • Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack

          $120 – $450
          Shop Now
      • Aquarium Supplies See All
      • Fuge Lighting
        • AI Fuge 16HD Light
        • Kessil A360X Fuge Light
        • Kessil H160
        • Kessil H80
        • Chaetomax
      • Biomedia
        • Marinepure Gems
        • Marinepure Rocks
        • Marinepure Plate
        • Marinepure Cubes
        • Marinepure Spheres
      • Foods
        • Dragon Roe
        • Simple Brine
        • Can'O Cyclops
        • Benereef™
        • Fresco Cyclops
      • Rock & Sand
        • Dry Rock
        • Clam Rocks
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • Mandarin Feeder Kit by Algaebarn

          Mandarin Feeder Kit

          $66
          Shop Now
        • MarinePure 10 Cubes

          2″ Cubes

          $5 – $99
          Shop Now
        • Coralline Algae in a Bottle, In Pink or Purple!

          Coralline Algae

          $22 – $44
          Shop Now
        • Ultimate Refugium Starter Pack

          $120 – $450
          Shop Now
      • CADE Aquariums See All
      • Reef Series
        • CADE REEF 500 S2
        • CADE REEF 600 S2
        • CADE REEF 900 S2
        • CADE REEF 1200 S2
        • CADE REEF 1500 S2
        • CADE REEF 1800 S2
        • CADE REEF 2100 S2
      • Frag Series
        • CADE Frag 600 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 900 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 1200 S2/F
        • CADE Frag 1500 S2/F
      • Peninsula Series
        • CADE Peninsula 1200 S2/P
        • CADE Peninsula 1500 S2/P
        • CADE Peninsula 1800 S2/P
      • Most Popular Products See All
        • CADE REEF 2100 S2

          $7,225
          Shop Now
        • CADE Peninsula 1500 S2/P

          $5,525
          Shop Now
        • CADE REEF 1200 S2

          $4,125
          Shop Now
        • CADE Frag 900 S2/F

          $3,275
          Shop Now
    • Contests Win Free Aquarium Supplies!
      No Purchase Necessary*
    • Top Deals Huge Savings!
    • AlgaeBarn Heroes Discount for Military,
      First Responders and more!
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Shipping
You are here: Home / Captive Bred Fish / Angelfish / Coral Beauty Angelfish: The Best First Angel
Coral Beauty Angelfish are amazing first Angels!

Coral Beauty Angelfish: The Best First Angel

by Kenneth Wingerter

Coral Beauty Angelfish have many variations in colorAs someone who has worked with coral beauty angelfish in the aquarium industry for decades, I can say two things with certainty: (1) Beginning saltwater aquarium hobbyists should always start out with super-hardy fishes and (2) beginners are almost always obsessed with, and only want, color, color, and color.

While there are truly are many more joys to keeping aquarium fish than just looking at bright colors (observing interesting behaviors, for example), the fixation on color is understandable. Even veteran hobbyists love a pretty fish. But, when you have minimal experience keeping marine aquaria, selecting fish on the basis of appearance alone can be a recipe for disaster. Too often, a newbie will strut through the shop declaring that they want “a blue one, a red one…” and so on with little regard for compatibility much less their own ability to provide the expert husbandry required by many species.

Thankfully, the hardiest representatives of some fish families also happen to be among the most beautiful. Take, for example, the aptly-named coral beauty angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa).

Fairest of them all

Saltwater fish enthusiasts broadly declare this species as the comeliest of its kind, which really says something; not only is its family (Pomacanthidae) large and absolutely loaded with stunningly attractive representatives but also most of these species are readily available in the trade (at least if you’re willing to drop some serious coin). While as eye-catching as a fish can be, C. bispinosa is reasonably easy to maintain in captivity, especially when compared to many other members of its family.

To be clear, I’m not necessarily advocating that new hobbyists acquire this or any kind of angelfish during their first rounds of fish stocking. Angels, in general, rely heavily on a high-quality (and sometimes somewhat specialized) diet, they are susceptible to some nasty diseases, they can be jerks to their tankmates, and even nominally “reef-safe” species can exhibit a taste for some of your priciest corals. For these reasons and more, most experienced reefers would suggest that you first try your hand at far more sturdy and predictable types of fish such as gobies, blennies, etc. But, when you’re truly ready for your first angelfish, a BIOTA coral beauty is a great choice.

Let us just get that color part out of the way here; this fish is absolutely splendid. One of the coolest things about the species is its variability. This makes stock from each native population, and to some extent, even each individual, a little bit unique. But the basic coloration is undeniably impressive with a bright fiery orange-red base color. Purply blue markings cover the face and fins, breaking up into jagged vertical bands over the midsection. Neon blue highlights often cover the lips, ring the eyes and outline the fins. Despite the regularity with which it appears in the trade, few aquarists ever lose the sense of awe this animal inspires with its intense hues.

Built tough

A beautiful pigmy coral beauty angelfish

So many first-time reefkeepers might be pleased to learn that this species is one of the “toughest” angels. They might even be happier to hear that the species is now available as captive-bred. Yes, as is usually the case,

captive-bred coral beauty angels are hardier and adapt more easily to aquarium life. Not that wild coral beauties are particularly finicky eaters, but these are even easier to please and to keep healthy on a “normal” aquarium fish diet. More importantly, captive-bred individuals are comparatively far, far less likely to succumb to diseases such as marine ich. They are also more “socialized” and are thus less aggressive/territorial towards other fish in an aquarium environment. And yes, being raised entirely on aquarium foods, they are a bit more trustworthy in the presence of corals, clams, sponges, etc.

In actual fact, keeping a captive-bred coral beauty angelfish in captivity is pretty straightforward. As an omnivore, its preferred diet is one that is varied with a balance of meaty and plant-based items. On the meaty side, smaller bites like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and cyclops are eagerly accepted. These fish can get their “greens” in a couple of different ways. For one, they tend to nibble at nuisance algae that might grow on the rocks and glass (a welcomed habit for sure). It’s also recommended to feed them tiny bits of macroalgae. An effective way to do this is to soften a small piece of dried algae in your fingers and mash it up, allowing the little flakes to drift into the water column where the angel will snarf them up one-by-one.

An angel’s heaven

Even though this fish isn’t highly territorial, it certainly appreciates a familiar spot to call its own and that it can sleep in or retreat to when it feels threatened. Thus, it is best to make sure that there are enough little caves in the rockwork to satisfy all of the fish inhabitants, including the angel.

Also, in the interest of avoiding fights, it is best to acquire no more than a single coral beauty angel per tank. This fish does not get “lonely” for its own kind; to the contrary, it can get a little irate about having to compete with a conspecific within the tiny confines of an aquarium! Housing coral beauties together is more likely to result in a death than in an enduring friendship or romance.

And that’s about it! Most serious aquarists (whether experts or novices) have great odds of success with a coral beauty angelfish when kept in a healthy system–especially if it’s captive-bred–and get all the flashy colors one could hope for! With this as your first angelfish, the others will indeed have a very hard act to follow.

Related Posts

How Captive-Bred Seahorses are Improving Coastal Waters

Seahorses are one of the most unique animals we can house in captivity. While seahorses are delicate, they were one of the first to be bred in captivity.

Read More about How Captive-Bred Seahorses are Improving Coastal Waters

The Goldline Rabbitfish: How the Aquarium Industry is Repopulating the Waters of Palau

One of the most exciting aspects of working in this industry is being a part of ocean recovery efforts. For World Ocean Month, we have highlighted some of

Read More about The Goldline Rabbitfish: How the Aquarium Industry is Repopulating the Waters of Palau

How Aquaculture of Pseudochromis is Helping to Protect Indo-Pacific Coral Reefs

We are looking at our oceans and the impact our hobby has made on them. No matter where you are, we are all ultimately sharing a planet that is about 71%

Read More about How Aquaculture of Pseudochromis is Helping to Protect Indo-Pacific Coral Reefs

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Browse the AlgaeLab by Category

  • Advanced Education
  • Beginners Education
  • CADE Aquariums
  • Captive Bred Fish
  • Clean Up Crew
  • Company News
  • Copepods
  • Corals
  • Freshwater
  • Freshwater Aquariums
  • Intermediate Education
  • Invertebrates
  • Live foods
  • Macroalgae
  • Phytoplankton
  • Product Info
  • Refugium Education
  • Rock and Substrate
  • Saltwater Aquariums
  • Wholesale

Company

  • About Us
  • The AlgaeLab Blog
  • Our Team
  • FAQ

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • AOA Claim Form
  • Press Inquiries
  • Call Us: 772-444-7637

Policies

  • Legendary AOA Guarantee
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Other

  • Store Locator
  • Wholesale & B2B inquired
  • Business Location

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join our mission to build a more sustainable aquarium hobby, one tank at a time!

Copyright 2022, AlgaeBarn LLC - Live Copepods and Phytoplankton

adroll_adv_id = "RWFLKG57L5GR7KGYSOEUOK"; adroll_pix_id = "CH2QRUFHXZELLLCMHAB5GI"; adroll_version = "2.0"; adroll_current_page = "other"; adroll_currency = "USD"; adroll_language = "en_US";
0

Your Cart is Empty