African Flameback

About this fish

African Flameback is the shop name for the marine angelfish species Centropyge acanthops. It’s a small “pygmy” angelfish that’s mainly used in reef-style saltwater aquariums where it can graze on algae and help maintain a natural-looking rock-and-rubble environment.

Features:

• Dwarf angelfish (family Pomacanthidae) valued for reef-aquarium grazing behavior.
• Often best kept singly or with careful tankmates, as dwarf angels can show territorial behavior toward similarly shaped/colored angels in smaller tanks.
• Practical for established aquariums with live rock and visible grazing surfaces, since it will pick and forage throughout the day.
• Diet planning matters: it benefits from both algae/plant-based foods and supplemental meaty or prepared seafood foods.
• Naturally associated with coral reef structure and algae-covered rubble, so aquascape with rockwork provides appropriate cover and foraging areas.

Specifications:

• Scientific name (verified): Centropyge acanthops
• Care level (general guidance): Intermediate (reef-style aquarium needs and feeding requirements)
• Adult size (typical maximum): Up to about 8 cm TL
• Diet: Omnivore with a strong grazing component (algae/sponges/invertebrate foods in nature; aquarium diets should include algae-based foods plus supplements)
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Salinity (specific gravity): 1.020–1.025
• Alkalinity (general range): About 8–12 dKH