Lemonpeel Angelfish

Care at a glance

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.

Related species

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  Bicolor Angelfish

  Centropyge bicolor

  5.9 in (15 cm)55 gal (210 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)

• 

  Eibli Angelfish

  Centropyge eibli

  5.9 in (15 cm)55 gal (210 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)

• 

  Potter's Angelfish

  Centropyge potteri

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• 

  Coral Beauty Angelfish

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• 

  Flame Angelfish

  Centropyge loriculus

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• 

  Half-Black Angelfish

  Centropyge vroliki

  3.9 in (10 cm)55 gal (210 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)