Whitetail angelfish

About

The whitetail angelfish (Centropyge flavicauda) is a dwarf angel from the Indian Ocean, found primarily within the waters of the Mauritian Exclusive Economic Zone. Like most members of the Centropyge genus, it is a compact, laterally flattened fish that spends its days picking through rubble and coral structure in search of algae and small invertebrates. The body is a deep, rich blue-purple to near-black, which makes the bright white caudal fin immediately obvious and useful for identification in the field or in a display tank. That white tail is the species' signature feature and what separates it at a glance from several similar-looking dwarf angels that share its general coloration. In the aquarium, the whitetail angel behaves much like its Centropyge relatives. It appreciates plenty of live rock to graze on and shelter within, and it can be territorial toward other dwarf angels, particularly fish of similar size or coloring. It is rated as an intermediate-level species, which means newer keepers should probably get comfortable with reef fish husbandry before taking one on. Like many Centropyge, it carries some risk to soft corals and clam mantles, so reef compatibility is worth considering carefully before purchase.