Aquarium and Fish Care: Centropyge

Showing posts with label Centropyge. Show all posts

2018-09-28

Tips on BICOLOR ANGELFISH Care

Bicolor angelfish or Centropyge bicolor are a part of the family Pomacanthidae. This is but one of the 74 species of cataloged marine angelfish ranging in size from under 3 inches to over 16 in length. This species is widespread throughout the Pacific Ocean with the notable exclusion of the Hawaiian Islands. Significant populations can be found can be found off the coast of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Guinea, as well as throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Bicolors are most often seen in pairs or small aggregations in brackish lagoon water and along reefs slopes at depths ranging from 10 to 80 feet.

This is one of the larger dwarf angles, growing to as long as 6 inches in length as an adult. The anterior body region and caudal fins of these are canary yellows. Their posteriors are royal purple or blue sometimes with thin, barely perceptible, vertical bars that are only slightly lighter in color than the posterior coloration. These fish also have a single purple bar that starts at one eye and loops around the top of their head and then terminates at the other eye. This fish is also marketed by the aquarium trade under the name Oriole Angel.

Bicolor angelfish carry a moderate care level. They can be successfully raised by aquarists of intermediate skill levels. This is among the most peaceful of the commercially available angelfish varieties. They make wonderful additions to a multi-species aquarium provided they are housed with fish of similar size and temperament. Angles often demonstrate territorial aggression toward conspecifics and similar looking species. Bi-colors can be kept together if they are introduced to an aquarium simultaneously as young juveniles. This will allow them to grow up in a small community rather than being introduced to a member of the same species after they have had a chance to establish territorial boundaries. As with any family, intermediate squabbling may still occur on occasion. This species is rated reef safe with caution.

The younger they are when added to a marine reef aquarium, the less likely they are to come to realize that many of its inhabitants are prime menu choices in the wild. Adult bicolors spend an exorbitant amount of time grazing on the naturally occurring algae growing on live rocks. An abundance of cure live rock is mandatory for keeping this species vigorous and healthy as adults. A well-feed angelfish will be far less likely to nibble on a coral or crustacean and discover a tasty new treat. A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended for this species. Angelfish are more sensitive to unhealthy water parameters than many marine species. Due diligence should be practiced in maintaining clean, clear water. Under premium conditions, you can expect these fish to live up to 12 years of age.

This is an omnivorous species. Like many angelfish, this species diet changes considerably between juveniles and adults. Juveniles feed primarily on plankton. Newly hatched brine shrimp mixed with increasing amounts of flake, frozen or freeze-dried food will help them become accustomed to nonliving food items. An adult's diet consists of algae, worms and small crustaceans and clams in their natural habitat. A high-quality marine preparation specially formulated for marine angels will make an ideal staple. Their diet can be further supplemented with freshly chopped crustacean, mollusks, dried or frozen algae and table vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, and yellow squash. Once again, an abundance of cured live rock will help ensure their nutritional needs are properly addressed.

The males and females of this species are virtually identical in size and coloration. This may be because they are protogynous synchronous hermaphrodites. All fish will initially develop into females. Should prorogation of the species demand it, the largest most dominant female will transform into a male. Several juveniles introduced into an aquarium together will result in a single male and a harem of females. This fish has been known to breed in captivity but reported incidents are rare.

Stephen J Broy

Jellyfish Fish Tank Aquariums

Pet Moon Jellyfish

EzineArticles

2018-08-14

CORAL BEAUTY ANGELFISH - Centropyge bispinosus

Coral Beauty Angelfish - Centropyge bispinosus

2018-08-12

Tips on CORAL BEAUTY ANGELFISH Care

Centropyge bispinosa (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Coral Beauty Angelfish or Centropyge bispinosus are members of the family Pomacanthidae. This species is indigenous to the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Philippine Islands. Most of the coral beauties made available for the aquarium industry originate from Fiji.

This fish lives up to its name. Their heads, upper body region, and dorsal fin are bright blue or purple. This primary coloration fades into yellow or orange transitioning into a shade of pink at mid-body. Thin vertical banding of the primary body color breaks up this transition. Pectoral fins are typically orange or yellow. Anal and caudal fins are blue or purple. All but the pectoral fins are frequently outlined in neon blue. This species is also sold under the trade names Twospined Angel or Dusky Angelfish.

This is an excellent choice for amateur aquarists who want to own their first angelfish. They have all the exotic beauty one expects in a marine angelfish. They only grow to an adult length of 4 inches. So you don't need an enormous aquarium to house them. They can be raised in a tank as small as 30 gallons. Most angels carry a moderate to expert care level (depending on the informational source). Coral beauties are one of the hardiest angelfish. These fish have an easy care level so they are perfect for novice saltwater aquarium owners. Regardless of size, most angelfish are labeled as semi-aggressive. This species is among the most peace-loving of all angelfish. They may pick on smaller fish or fight with similar looking species as they mature but they do not demonstrate near the instinctive territorial behavior of most angels. More experienced aquarists will enjoy the fact that this species is rated reef safe if it is introduced to a marine reef environment as the juvenile and is well fed as an adult. All of these factors make the coral beauty one of the most popular and commonly kept angelfish in home aquariums.

This is an omnivorous species. Juveniles are primarily planktonic feeders. An adult's diet consists largely of algae. You will need to supply your aquarium with plenty of cured live rock to ensure the general health of any marine angelfish. Coral, crustaceans, mollusks, and worms comprise the remainder of an adult's dietary intake. This is why you want to introduce this species to a reef set up when they are still juveniles. The trick is to get them accustomed to aquarium food and algae as their total dietary intake before they develop their adult taste buds. Feeding should take place 2-3 times a day.

Like most angelfish, this is a hermaphroditic species. They are born of indeterminate sexuality. They will then develop into females. In a population consisting exclusively of females the largest, most dominant fish will undergo a hormonal change until it transforms into a male.

Coral beauties are one of the few marine species that have been known to breed in home aquariums. Breeding is induced by the release of a gamete, or sex cell, into the water. The gamete's presence will make this species feel the need to spawn. Spawning occurs shortly before dusk in their natural environment. In an aquarium, spawning is just as cyclic. Spawning will take place precisely one hour before the lights turn off in an aquarium with a timer. The fact that breeding habits make the transition into captivity is truly phenomenal.

Courtship begins with the male dashing around erratically in a pre-mating dance. Once the female is attracted, the perspective mates will then begin swimming side by side. The two will then seek out the most turbulent area in the aquarium. This is generally found next to the power head. The male will rub his nose against the female's side. The female will respond by expanding her fins in a seductive manner and then dashing off so as not to be thought of as an easy target for the male's affection.

Once the courtship rituals are completed, the female will release a small clutch of eggs (usually 12-20) one at a time for fertilization. The eggs are left to float away. Juveniles are platonic feeders. Fry must be fed newly hatched brine shrimp in order to increase their likelihood of survival.

By Stephen J Broy

Fish are not the only pets you can keep in an aquarium. Jellyfish Fish Tank Aquariums are the latest trend in aquarium ownership. Moon Jellyfish & Pet Jellies are some of the most exotic creatures you can keep in a home aquarium.

Article Source: EzineArticles

2017-10-15

PEPPERMINT ANGELFISH - Paracentropyge boylei

PEPPERMINT ANGELFISH - Paracentropyge boylei - Photo: Wikimedia

2017-08-08

Multicolor ANGELFISH

The Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge Multicolor) is a deepwater species that is sold from time to time in the marine aquarium hobby. Usually, the fact that it hails from deeper waters would mean it is a harder than normal dwarf angelfish to rear in captivity. This is untrue as far as the Multicolor angelfish is concerned.

The multicolor angel is an especially hardy member of the genus centropyge once it has been acclimated and adjusted to its new living quarters. Upon purchasing a specimen, they may be shy initially as they are used to waters without too much light. Multicolor angels are considered an aggressive species that will usually dominate smaller aquariums.

Their main body is mostly white with shades of orange, yellow and brown on its lower half. It also has a distinctive electric blue crown on its head. Its anal and dorsal fins are blue to black while its face and caudal fin are all yellow.

They do not tolerate other dwarf angels and will usually harass them to no end. Larger aquariums above 150 gallons are needed to keep another centropyge with the multicolor angelfish. They are considered an expensive fish, with prices ranging anywhere from $80 to $120 per specimen.

As they are from deeper waters, ensure there is no swim bladder damage present as it they can be damaged as the fish is brought up rapidly to the surface. Any specimen that is seen to be tilting side to side or from up to down should be avoided.

Feeding them is an easy matter as they will usual sample anything thrown into the tank once they recognize that you are a source of food. In the beginning they may be hesitant but this is usually taken care of over time. A good mix of foods including frozen meaty foods, greens and dry foods are a good way to ensure they get a balanced diet.

A specially formulated food for them is the Pygmy angel formula that is produced by Ocean Nutrition. This foods attempt so emulate their natural diet in the wild.

A dry pellet food that is suitable for the Centropyge Multicolor are from the New Life Spectrum line of pellets. A very balanced pellet, they are suitable not just for members of the genus Centropyge but also for surgeonfish, clown fish, damselfish and a host of other marine aquarium ornamental fish.

By Indran Manickam
Article Source: EzineArticles

2017-07-28

CENTROPYGE - Dwarf Angelfish

The genus centropyge has within its family some of the most popular marine fishes in the aquarium hobby today. They are commonly known as the dwarf angelfish family. It has 34 members and they are generally a lot smaller than their larger cousins like the french or emperor angelfish.

Centropyge flavissima (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They come in a variety of colors and sizes and some of them are exceptionally popular among enthusiasts. Sizes range anywhere to the tiny 3 inch cherub angelfish to the 7 inch giants of the family, namely the Japanese pygmy angelfish and the Keyhole angelfish.

While they differ in size with their much larger cousins, their diets are very similar. They are omnivores in the wild that will graze on algae, copepods and consume even detritus. While they are also known to nip on corals and clams, they are generally safer to house with corals than a Queen or French angelfish.

They are found throughout the worlds tropical oceans and can be found anywhere from 20 feet to up to two hundred feet plus in depth. Deeper dwelling species such as the highly prized Centropyge Boylei can cost up to $20000 per specimen. No that wasn't a typing error. That small three inch fish can cost as much as a brand new car.

Fortunately for most of us, the vast majority of dwarf angelfish are within reach. Some of the more popular selling species include the famous flame angelfish, lemonpeel angel and the cherub angelfish.

The flame angelfish is bar far the most popular within the genus centropyge. It isn't hard to see why. Its entire body is a bright flame-like orange to red coloration. This beauty hails from the Christmas and Marshall islands.

As a whole, most centropyge species do well in captivity. Those that don't are usually deeper water species that require low lighting conditions and are generally shy. An exception to this rule is the Centropyge Multicolor, an aggressive and boisterous dwarf angelfish.

Because of their small sizes, centropyge make excellent additions to smaller tanks. However, once established, they can start to dominate and bully their tank mates.