Multibar Angelfish
Centropyge multifasciata
A deep-dwelling pygmy angel that rarely makes it into the hobby.
About
Found across Indo-Pacific reef systems, Centropyge multifasciata is one of the less commonly encountered dwarf angelfish in the hobby, partly because it tends to inhabit deeper reef zones that make collection challenging. It goes by the name multibar angelfish among those who do keep it, and the name fits well. The body is wrapped in a series of bold dark vertical bars against a pale base, giving it a clean, graphic look that stands out even in a busy reef display. Like most members of the Centropyge genus, it stays relatively small and has the laterally compressed, rounded profile typical of pygmy angels. In the wild it tends to stay close to coral-rich structure, picking at algae and small invertebrates, and captive specimens behave similarly. Expect it to graze constantly and spend most of its time working along rockwork. It is generally considered an intermediate-level fish. New keepers should know that dwarf angels as a group can be nippy toward corals, and this species is no exception. Polyp and clam owners should watch carefully after introduction. A well-established tank with plenty of live rock and hiding spots will help it settle in and show its best behavior.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Multibar Angelfish
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Multibar Angelfish aggressive?
- The Multibar Angelfish is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Multibar Angelfish eat?
- The Multibar Angelfish is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- Is the Multibar Angelfish reef safe?
- The Multibar Angelfish is not considered reliably reef safe and may harm corals or invertebrates.