Flame Angelfish

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 water flow with calm zones. The aquarium must be mature (at least 6 months) with an efficient filtration system. Appropriate lighting to promote algae growth for grazing.

Feeding

Omnivore with herbivorous tendencies. Varied diet essential: spirulina-based foods, nori algae, mysis, enriched brine shrimp, special angelfish foods. Must graze on algae throughout the day. Provide 2-3 small daily feedings. Regular supply of vegetables (70%) and protein (30%) maintains health and coloration. Live rock rich in microalgae contributes to nutritional well-being.

Health & common diseases

Centropyge loriculus is susceptible to marine parasites such as oodinium (marine velvet) and marine ichthyophthirius (white spot), recognizable by white or golden spots and scratching behavior. Bacterial diseases (fin rot, lateral erosion) can occur due to stress or poor water quality. Slow acclimation, varied diet rich in spirulina, stable water parameters, and 3-4 week quarantine for all new arrivals effectively prevent most diseases. Watch for vitamin deficiencies that weaken the immune system of this herbivorous species.

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 some 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