Flame Angelfish
Centropyge loriculus
Centropyge loriculus is a dwarf angelfish highly appreciated for its flamboyant red coloration with vertical and dorsal black markings. Native to the central and western Pacific, it is one of the most popular dwarf angelfish in reef aquarium keeping. Its modest size (10 cm) and brilliant colors make it an excellent choice for medium-sized aquariums, although it can be territorial.
Parameters
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Min volume
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Salinity
- 33–36 g/L
- Calcium
- 400–450 mg/L
- Adult size
- 10 cm
- Lifespan
- 8 years
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- semi-agressif
- Difficulty
- modérée
Environment
Minimum 200-liter reef aquarium (300 L recommended for a community tank). Requires numerous hiding places, caves, and live rock décor rich in algae. Temperature: 24-27°C, pH: 8.1-8.4, salinity: 1.023-1.025, calcium: 400-450 mg/L. Moderate to strong flow with calm zones. The aquarium must be mature (at least 6 months) with an efficient filtration system. Suitable lighting to promote growth of algae that it feeds on.
Feeding
Omnivore with herbivorous tendency. Varied diet essential: spirulina-based foods, nori algae, mysis, enriched brine shrimp, special angelfish food. Must graze on algae throughout the day. Provide 2-3 small daily meals. Regular supply of vegetables (70%) and proteins (30%) maintains its health and colors. Live rock rich in micro-algae contributes to its nutritional well-being.
Tips & tankmates
Compatible with most peaceful reef fish but can be territorial toward other angelfish, especially in small volumes. Keep only one individual per tank except in very large aquariums. Caution: may nip at certain soft corals, zoanthids, and polyps of hard corals (LPS/SPS), behavior varies by individual. Observe carefully during introduction. Avoid with fragile sessile invertebrates. Hardy once acclimated but sensitive to parameter fluctuations. Quarantine recommended. Species not threatened but prefer captive-bred specimens to preserve wild populations.
Sources
- FishBase - Centropyge loriculus
- Reef2Reef Marine Species Database
- LiveAquaria - Flame Angelfish Care Guide
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