The Flame Angel fish, also known as pez ángel flama in spanish and scientifically known as Centropyge loricula, is one of the most popular and striking fish for marine aquariums. This marine fish is in high demand among European and North American aquarists.
Originating from the tropical waters of the central Pacific Ocean, the Flame Angelfish is highly prized among marine aquarium enthusiasts for its beauty and dynamic presence. Its care, feeding, and compatibility in a marine aquarium are critical aspects to ensure its well-being and longevity. In this article, we present the available information on its care, feeding, and breeding.
Characteristics of the Flame Angelfish
Taxonomy
- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Centropyge
- Species: Centropyge loricula (Günther, 1874)
- Synonym(s): Centropyge flammeus (Woods & Schultz 1953); Holacanthus loriculus (Günther 1874)
- Common names in Spanish: Pez ángel flama, Pez ángel de fuego, Pez ángel llama, Pez ángel enano japonés
- Common names in English: Flame Angel, Flame Angelfish, Flaming Angelfish, Japanese Pygmy Angelfish
According to AQUASYMBIO, the etymology of the genus “Centropyge” comes from the Greek “kentron” = sting and “pyg” = towards the back, referring to the conspicuous spine of the operculum bent towards the tail. The species name “loricula” is the diminutive of “lorica” = armor, corset, referring to the pattern with vertical bars that resemble the laces of a corset.
Physical Characteristics of the Flame Angelfish
The Flame Angelfish is a small marine fish, reaching between 7 to 10 cm in length; however, specimens up to 15 cm in length have been reported in their natural habitat (Bray, 2022). The Flame Angelfish can live between 5 and 7 years depending on the care provided; it is distinguished by a general orange to red color with up to seven wide black bars on the sides of the body. The edges of the anal and dorsal fins are black with a blue margin, and the posterior edge of each fin has alternating blue and black markings. The tail is orange at the base and fades to an opaque white color at the tip.
Schultz et al., (2006) describe three color morphs of the Flame Angelfish, Centropyge loriculus, in the central Pacific: a red morph found mainly in the Hawaiian archipelago, the endemic color morph of the Marquesas with reduced black markings, and an orange morph found in the rest of Oceania.
The Flame Angelfish, Centropyge loriculus, is a hardy species that adapts well to aquariums, provided it is given a suitable environment.
Habitat of the Japanese Pygmy Angelfish
Native to coral reefs in areas such as the Marshall Islands and Hawaii, Flame Angelfish are found in coral-rich lagoons and on the outer slopes of reefs. They thrive in environments with ample hiding places and live rock formations, which they use for grazing and shelter. According to Allen (2010), they are native to Australia (Queensland), the United States, Fiji, Guam, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu (Hawaiian Islands), Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna.
These fish live on coral reefs, at depths of 15 to 60 meters, in groups of 3 to 7 fish (1 male and the rest females). According to Wabnitz (2015), Flame Angelfish can be found associated with a variety of habitats, from rocky substrates encrusted with coralline algae, to dense beds of Halimeda (calcareous green macroalgae), to areas covered with 100% live coral.
During the day, Flame Angelfish usually stay hidden, and as it gets darker, they move to more open waters.
Aquarium Requirements
To mimic their natural habitat, a reef tank setup is ideal for Flame Angelfish. A tank size of at least 110 liters (30 gallons) is recommended to provide ample space for the fish to swim. Incorporating live rocks that allow algae growth not only offers places for the Flame Angelfish to hide but also aids in biological filtration.
Table 01. Water quality parameters for breeding Flame Angel fish.
| Parameter | Range |
|---|---|
| Water Temperature | 24 – 27 °C |
| Water pH | 8.1 – 8.4 |
| Salinity (Specific Gravity) | 1.020 to 1.025 |
| Water Hardness | 8 – 12 dH |
On the other hand, regular water changes and monitoring of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates are essential. The use of protein skimmers and activated carbon can help maintain good water conditions for Flame Angelfish breeding.
Feeding the Flame Angelfish
The Flame Angelfish is an omnivore that feeds on both algae and small invertebrates. Its diet in captivity should be varied, including marine algae, spirulina, and pellet and frozen foods such as mysis and artemia. Feeding it several times a day in small amounts helps maintain its health and natural behavior.
Feeding the Breeders
Callan et al. (2012) demonstrated that breeding Flame Angelfish can be maintained and conditioned for spawning with formulated diets, although reproductive performance and egg quality were better among fish fed a raw diet (squid, shrimp, fish eggs, spinach, peas, and dried Nori). Similarly, Laidley et al. (2008) reported that an initial “mixed diet” consisting of high-quality spirulina-based flakes combined with ground shrimp, krill, fish eggs, Artemia, spinach, peas, broccoli, and dried algae proved effective for feeding breeders.
Feeding the Larvae
Laidley et al. (2008) reported successful rearing of Flame Angelfish larvae using nauplii of the calanoid copepod Parvocalanus sp. (5 to 10 nauplii/ml) as food from the second day after hatching; however, from the tenth day onwards, the use of Artemia nauplii is recommended to meet the nutritional needs of the larvae.
On the other hand, de Freitas et al. (2012) suggests using the ciliate Euplotes sp. as live food for marine fish larvae, including Flame Angelfish.
Flame Angel fish Reproduction
Angelfish of the genus Centropyge reach sexual maturity before their first year of life, exhibit sexual dimorphism, are hermaphroditic (Bray, 2022), and reproduce year-round. All fish are born female.
Sexual dimorphism is notable as the blue stripes on the dorsal and anal fins of males are more pronounced than those of females, and they are also larger (AQUASYMBIO).
For reproduction, pairs of fish are selected and placed in breeding tanks. A female Flame Angelfish can lay about 2,000 eggs per day, and as with many angelfish species, spawning occurs at dusk.
Courtship
Generally, in their natural habitat, a single pair, though sometimes a small group, congregates at the ocean floor. When a female approaches, the male performs a courtship display. This involves erecting his fins and swimming rapidly back and forth. Then, the male and female spiral up to the surface, where they simultaneously release eggs and sperm, before returning to the ocean floor (Mayhew, 2008). Fertilization is external in the water column. The eggs average 0.6-0.65 mm in diameter and hatch between 15 and 20 hours later at a water temperature of 27°C.
Callan & Laidley (2010) reported that sterilized seawater proved to be the optimal environment for Flame Angelfish reproduction. The specimens showed significantly higher levels of fertility, egg fertilization, and egg viability compared to fish under other conditions.
Callan (2007) reported that daily fertilization rates of eggs ranged from 60 to 80%, and hatching rates were typically around 80%.
Tea et al. (2020) reports that C. loricula has hybridized with four species of the same genus, including Centropyge bispinosa, Centropyge ferrugata, Centropyge potteri, and Centropyge shepardi.
Larval Rearing
According to Laidley et al. (2008), newly hatched larvae lack developed eyes and functional mouths and are significantly smaller (1.2 mm). They also indicate that larval development during the first three days is extremely rapid, as larvae deplete their yolk supplies and switch to exogenous feeding. By 5-7 days after hatching, larvae begin to acquire a red coloration and inflate their swim bladders; the larval phase culminates at approximately 50 days.
Compatibility
Flame angelfish are known to be semi-aggressive, especially towards other fish of the same species or similar in color and shape. It is recommended to keep only one Japanese dwarf angelfish per aquarium unless the tank is large enough and has ample hiding spots. They are compatible with most non-aggressive fish but may bother corals and other invertebrates if not well-fed.
The flame angelfish is generally a peaceful fish but can become territorial with other specimens of its own species or with fish of similar appearance. To ensure their well-being and that of your other tank inhabitants, we recommend the following:
- Compatible Species: Small and peaceful damselfish, gobies, cleaner shrimp, and some types of hermit crabs.
- Species to Avoid: Other angelfish, especially if they are of similar size, aggressive or territorial fish, and invertebrates with stinging tentacles (anemones, corals).
Important Considerations
- Introduce the flame angelfish last, after acclimating the other inhabitants.
- Observe their behavior carefully during the first few weeks.
- If you notice signs of aggression, separate the involved fish.
- Reorganizing the rocks can also help establish new territories.
Common Diseases
Like any marine fish, flame angelfish are susceptible to diseases such as ich and velvet. Prevention is the best strategy, ensuring proper quarantine for new fish and maintaining good water quality. If a disease is detected, it is crucial to act quickly with appropriate treatments and isolate the affected fish.
Conclusion
Flame angelfish are a stunning addition to any reef aquarium, known for their vibrant colors and active behavior. Providing a suitable habitat, maintaining high water quality, and offering a varied diet are essential for their health.
To ensure success with flame angelfish, monitor their behavior regularly, provide a stable environment, and consider their compatibility with other tank mates. With proper care, these beautiful fish can thrive and add vibrant color to your marine aquarium.
References
Allen, G., Fricke, R., Pyle, R. & Myers, R. 2010. Centropyge loricula. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T155308A4771656. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T155308A4771656.en
AQUASYMBIO. Centropyge loricula.
Bray, D.J. 2022, Centropyge loriculus in Fishes of Australia, accessed 03 Aug 2024,
Callan, Chatham K., “Assessment of the Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus) as a Model Species in Studies on Egg and Larval Quality in Marine Fishes” (2007). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 126.
Callan, C. K., & Laidley, C. W. (2010). The effects of water source and secondary water treatment on flame angelfish Centropyge loriculus (Günther) reproduction. Aquaculture Research, 41(10), e537-e544. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2010.02525.x
Callan, C. K., Laidley, C. W., Forster, I. P., Liu, K. M., Kling, L. J., & Place, A. R. (2012). Examination of broodstock diet effects on egg production and egg quality in flame angelfish (Centropyge loriculus). Aquaculture Research, 43(5), 696-705. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2109.2011.02877.x
de Freitas Côrtes, G., Tsuzuki, M. Y., & Melo, E. M. C. (2013). Monoculture of the ciliate protozoan Euplotes sp.(Ciliophora; Hypotrichia) fed with different diets. Acta Scientiarum. Biological Sciences, 35(1), 15-19.
Laidley, C. W., Callan, C. K., Burnell, A., Liu, K. M., Bradley, C. J., Bou Mira, M., & Shields, R. J. (2008). Development of aquaculture technology for the flame angelfish (Centropyge loriculus). Regional Notes: Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, 19(2), 4-7.
Mayhew Mellisa. 2008. Species profile—Centropyge loricula (flame angelfish). Queensland Government.
Schultz, J.K., Pyle, R.L., DeMartini, E. et al. Genetic connectivity among color morphs and Pacific archipelagos for the flame angelfish, Centropyge loriculus . Mar Biol 151, 167–175 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-006-0471-5
Tea Yi-Kai, Hobbs Jean-Paul A., Vitelli Federico, DiBattista Joseph D., Ho Simon Y. W. and Lo Nathan. (2020). Angels in disguise: sympatric hybridization in the marine angelfishes is widespread and occurs between deeply divergent lineages. Proc. R. Soc. B. 287:20201459 https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2020.1459
Wabnitz Colette. 2015. Pacific Islands flame angelfish probably all belong to the same stock. SPC Fisheries Newsletter #146 – January–April 2015. 2 p.
