Lemonpeel angelfish
Centropyge flavissima
Also known as Lemon Peel Angel, Yellow Dwarf Angelfish
SaltwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–79°F
- 22–26°C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 5.5 in
- 14 cm
- Minimum tank
- 55 gal
- 210 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Own kind
- One male per tank
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Common
- Reef safe
- Reef safe with caution
- Family
- Pomacanthidae
- Origin
- Western and central Pacific, including islands such as the Marshalls, Line Islands, and areas of Micronesia
Overview
A dedicated algae grazer that needs an established tank with steady algae growth plus frequent small feedings of nori and other greens with occasional meaty foods. It is territorial toward other dwarf angels and similarly shaped or colored fish, so it does best as the only dwarf angel present. Reef keepers rate it caution and it leans toward the riskier end: it is one of the dwarf angels most likely to nip LPS corals, soft corals, and clam mantles, so many keepers avoid it in prized mixed reefs.
In the wild
Lives in shallow, sunlit lagoon and reef-flat habitats with heavy algae growth, usually in less than 25 meters of water. It grazes constantly over rock and rubble and keeps near cover it can bolt into. In the tank it wants a mature system with abundant live rock, strong algae film, and hiding spots.
Good to know
Centropyge flavissima is a dwarf angel that reaches about 14 cm, larger than many of its genus. It is a protogynous hermaphrodite that grazes primarily on algae and detritus. It is considered less hardy than the coral beauty and benefits from slow drip acclimation into a well-established tank.
Did you know
Juveniles wear a bright blue ring around each eye that stands out against the solid yellow body, a marking that fades as the fish matures.
Common questions
What size tank does a Lemonpeel angelfish need?
A Lemonpeel angelfish needs at least 55 gal (210 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Lemonpeel angelfish need?
A Lemonpeel angelfish is comfortable at 72–79°F (22–26°C) with a pH of 8.1–8.4.
How big does a Lemonpeel angelfish get?
An adult Lemonpeel angelfish reaches about 5.5 in (14 cm).
Related species
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