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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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Thereasa Gardner says

    Coral beauties are so gorgeous! I hope to have one in my tank once I feel confident in my coral growing!

    Reply

    • John Solomon says

      Very informative article. I have read up to research on their habitat and care, the information provided adds to my knowledge of their care and living conditions.

      Reply

  3. Russell George says

    I’m still new to this but that’s a beautiful fish! I’ve never seen it before but I’ll have to keep an eye out for them now.

    Reply

  13. Richard M Jackson says

    Ithe coral beauty was one of my first salt water fish back in the 70’s. Yes i am old, but the beauty of this fish holds up over time! Everyone should kepp one once.

    Reply

  17. Teri Embum says

    Had a coral beauty for years. Mine never has nipped corals, although I know that is always a possibility. Hardy fish.

    Reply

  21. Jeremy says

    Maybe one day I can add one of the beauties to my tank. Hopefully I get one that first nip my corals.

    Reply

  27. Kayla Lussier says

    Angel fish are stunning! I have never had these before but definitely want to look into it more. Thanks for the great info on these beauties!

    Reply

  35. Ethan says

    Awesome fish! I got a coral beauty and a lemon peel angel at the same time and they add so much personality.

    Reply

  37. Frank Politi says

    I have one and it was the best decision and add to my reef. One of the most happiest fish ? swimming in my tank. Can watch it all day.

    Reply

  47. Robert says

    Great article! Always develop a plan on your journey to your ideal goal. Research, research, research. It is simply prudent and responsible to understand each individual life that you introduce into a closed system to ensure their safety and happiness.

    Reply

  51. Compy Ginorio says

    I have one and it’s very active and well behave all around. Never touch any of the corals. In my list it’s a must have!

    Reply

  68. Scott D Carpenter says

    I have had a couple of these over the years.
    My fish usually live for many years but when my dwarf angel does die, I usually rotate to a different dwarf angel. My current is a flame angel and my favorite was a venustus angel.
    But the coral beauties are awesome.

    Reply

  69. Froy Lockhoff-Taylor says

    I have one and it definitely adds nice colors into the main display. Plus it doesnt bother any of my corals.

    Reply

  72. Christalyn Maza says

    I have 2 in my 150 gallon tank. One is a bit smaller so the bigger one chases her off. For the most part they don’t bother each other.

    Reply

  73. Christalyn Maza says

    I currently have 2 in a 150 gallon tank with plenty of places to hide. Every now and then the larger one will chase my smaller one away but no nipping!

    Reply

  96. Daniel Paris says

    Really pleased with my flame angel. I was a little concerned he might nip at some corals but he has adjust well.

    Reply

  110. ROBERT FERNETTE says

    Beautiful fish, wish I could add one to my tank but I’ve read they’re not a great fit for reef tanks, so I have to pass.

    Reply

  115. Rudy A Garcia says

    I had on once before. Unfortunately, I also had two damsels. Specifically two Fiji Blue Devils. The Coral Beauty lasted a week before he was beaten to death by the damsels. Thankfully I got rid of them, and have a larger tank now, and I am actually considering trying my hand at one again.

    Reply

  127. Kale says

    Very beautiful fish. I’ve admired them for a while, but have never gotten one. Thanks for all the great info.

    Reply

  128. kirkbovie says

    Coral beauty definitely a name deserved. I’ve only owned a flame angel but I’d be cautious next time I buy a angel fish, they can be coral nippers.

    Reply

  129. kirkbovie says

    Coral beauty definitely a name deserved. I’ve only owned a flame angel but I’d be cautious next time I buy a angel fish, they can be coral nippers.

    Reply
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