Flameback Angelfish

About

The African Cherubfish (Centropyge acanthops) is a compact pygmy angel from the Western Indian Ocean, ranging from the Somali coast down through East Africa to South Africa, with populations around several offshore islands. The color pattern is what draws most people in. A deep blue-purple body contrasted by a vivid orange-yellow covering the head, back, and dorsal fin, giving it one of its alternate names, Flameback Angelfish. In the wild it hangs around coral rubble zones, often in loose groups of up to about ten fish, constantly picking at the substrate for algae and small invertebrates. That same restless foraging behavior carries over into the aquarium, where it will spend most of its time working over live rock and any available rubble, rarely sitting still for long. Which is probably where the "Jumping Bean" nickname comes from. It's a reasonably good fit for a reef tank, though like most Centropyge angels it carries some risk of nipping at soft corals and clam mantles, so watch it carefully if you go that route. Suitable for intermediate keepers who can provide a well-established tank with plenty of live rock. Plan for one per tank unless you have a confirmed pair, as males can be aggressive toward other males of the same or similar species.