The Complete Guide to Keeping Pygmy Angelfish – Species, Tank Size, Reef Safety, and Care

With their petite size and eye-catching colors, pygmy angelfish have become hugely popular saltwater fish for home aquariums. These diminutive members of the angelfish family offer all the beauty of their larger cousins in a small package suitable for moderately sized tanks. This guide will provide an overview of several pygmy angel types, considerations for tank size and reef compatibility, and tips for optimal care.

Overview.

While most angelfish grow quite large and require expansive aquariums, pygmy varieties max out under 4 inches in length. Their compact size makes them suitable for tanks as small as 50 gallons, expanding their appeal to aquarists working with limited space. Beyond the practical advantages, pygmy angels delight with their vivid colors and active movements.

With many species available to choose from, it’s important for enthusiasts to understand the diversity within this group. Some are ideal for peaceful community tanks, while others need a species-only system. This guide will profile a few popular pygmy angelfish types, tank size, and reef considerations, and provide care recommendations to help these beguiling fish thrive.

Exploring Pygmy Angelfish Types.

Let’s examine some of the most common pygmy angelfish species in the aquarium trade:

Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish Or Cherub Pygmy Angelfish:

These species (Centropyge argi) hails from tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Atlantic Ocean. Cherub Pygmy Angelfish often refers to the Centropyge argi as well. It is likely just another name for the same Atlantic pygmy angelfish species.  Their range extends from the Bahamas down to the coastal waters of Brazil.

These petite fish reach 3 inches in length at maturity. Their oval-shaped bodies are colored silver-grey overall with vibrant yellow fins and tails. Some may exhibit a yellowish hue on the rear half of the body. Males tend to grow a bit larger than females.

Atlantic pygmy angels require a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing on microalgae. Though diminutive, they are active swimmers. In captivity, provide a minimum 50-gallon tank with calm tank mates. Feed a mixture of finely chopped seafood, spirulina, and algae 2-3 times per day.

Multibar Pygmy Angelfish:

The multibar angelfish (Paracentropyge multifasciata) is adorned with a series of yellow and deep blue stripes across its body. Growing to 4 inches long, they inhabit the tropical Indo-Pacific reefs.

Native to the coral reefs of Indonesia, the Philippines, and surrounding regions, the multibar pygmy angelfish frequents lagoons and seaward reefs. They tend to reside close to or within branching corals and other protective reef structures.

In an aquarium, the multibar species requires pristine water quality and a mature tank with ample live rock. Feed a variety of meaty and plant-based foods including mysid shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, Spirulina, and marine algae. Provide a fine sand substrate and rockwork with plenty of crevices and overhangs.

While diminutive, the multibar angelfish is territorial with its own kind. House singly or with peaceful small fish like gobies and blennies. Limit aggressive tankmates that may bully or compete for their preferred habitat space within the rockwork. With proper conditions, these beautifully striped pygmy angels can thrive.

Japanese Pygmy Angelfish:

Found off the coasts of Japan and Indonesia, the Japanese angelfish (Centropyge interrupta) inhabits shallow reefs. They tend to reside within or near branching corals and other heavy cover.

Ranging to nearly 4 inches long, these petite fish display a bright yellow front half transitioning to an electric blue posterior. Yellow also tinges on the top of the dorsal fin. The vibrant coloration makes them a stunning addition to a saltwater aquarium.

Care for the Japanese pygmy angelfish is similar to other species – provide a 50+ gallon mature tank with rock structures. They tend to be timid and should not be mixed with larger, boisterous fish. Feed a varied diet with Vegetable matter and meaty items like mysid shrimp.

African Pygmy Or Orangeback Angelfish:

The African Pygmy Or Orangeback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops) inhabits the tropical eastern Atlantic Ocean. Their range spans the African coastline from Angola up to the Cape Verde islands. A reef-dwelling species, they frequent rocky structures and coral heads.

These tiny fish reach just over 3 inches in length. They exhibit a bright yellow body with edges rimmed in blue-black. The posterior end of the dorsal fin also shows vivid blue. Males may display more intense colors, especially when courting females.

They are well-suited for nano reef tanks and peaceful fish communities if provided with ample rocky structure. A mature 50-gallon tank is sufficient. Feed a mixture of spirulina, frozen mysid shrimp, and marine angelfish preparations 2-3 times per day.

Are Pygmy Angelfish Reef Safe?

The reef compatibility of pygmy angelfish varies by species. Here are some general guidelines when considering them for reef aquariums:

• Start with peaceful species known for reef safety like the Japanese pygmy angelfish. Avoid more aggressive types.
• Provide ample rock work, overhangs, and shelters to reduce territoriality. Overcrowding stresses angels.
• Introduce pygmy angels last after the reef structure is well-established. Monitor for coral nibbling.
• Target feed greens like marine algae and spirulina to reduce reliance on corals for food.
• Avoid keeping pygmy angels with small, passive invertebrates like feather duster worms which can become prey.

With proper selection and care, many pygmy angelfish can thrive in reef communities. Quarantine new individuals and remain vigilant for signs of aggression or coral munching. Removing problematic fish promptly helps maintain balance.

Pygmy AngelfishTank Size.

The small stature of pygmy angelfish means they can inhabit relatively modest aquariums compared to most saltwater angels. Use these general guidelines for selecting the optimal tank size:

• 40-gallon minimum for singly housed pygmy angels
• 60-75 gallons for pairs or harem groupings
• Larger is always better to allow ample swimming room
• Increase tank size if housing with boisterous or large fish
• Avoid cramped quarters which increase stress and aggression

Ensure the tank layout provides sufficient shelters among the rockwork along with open areas for swimming. Maintain excellent filtration and water movement to compensate for their small size. Perform regular partial water changes to avoid parameter spikes in small volumes.

Pygmy Angelfish Care Tips.

While their petite size makes these angels ideal for small tanks, they still require specialized care to stay healthy. Here are some top care tips:

Tank Setup:

• Marine salt mix matched to natural parameters
• Abundant live rock for grazing and shelter
• Moderate water movement and low-flow areas
• Gentle lighting – avoid intense illumination

Diet:

• Quality marine angelfish preparations
• Spirulina, marine algae, fresh seafood
• 2-3 small meals per day
• Vitamin supplements support coloration

Tank Mates:

• Small, peaceful community fish
• Avoid large, aggressive species
• Cautious pairing with shrimp, ornamental inverts

Care:

• Quarantine new arrivals for acclimation
• Test water quality frequently
• Target feed vegetable matter and angelfish foods
• 25-30% weekly water changes

With the right setup and care regimen, pygmy angelfish can exhibit their full charm and colors in home aquariums. Patience and close adherence to their needs are key to success.

Read Complete Guide on Saltwater Angelfish.

FAQS.

Q: How long do pygmy angelfish live?

A: With proper care, most of them live 5-10 years in home aquariums. Some species may exceed 10 years.

Q: Can you keep just one pygmy angelfish?

A: Most do best kept singly. Some species that form pairs like the Atlantic pygmy can be kept in mated pairs. Avoid groups.

Q: What do pygmy angelfish eat?

A: Feed a varied diet including angelfish preparations, marine algae, mysid shrimp, spirulina, seaweed, and other meaty frozen foods.

Q: Are pygmy angelfish aggressive?

A: Pygmy angels are less aggressive than larger species but can still show some territorial behaviors. Provide ample shelters and open swimming space.

Q: What fish can live with pygmy angelfish?

A: Small, peaceful community fish make the best tank mates like gobies, blennies, chromis, and basslets. Avoid larger aggressive fish.

Conclusion.

Pygmy angelfish delivers all the beauty of their larger cousins in a petite package suitable for average home aquariums. With so many species to choose from, there’s a pygmy to suit any saltwater setup. Take the time to select compatible tank mates, provide a balanced diet, and arrange an ample rockscape to help these delicate fish prosper.

Responsible aquarium keeping requires understanding the needs of each species you intend to keep. While tiny in stature, pygmy angels demand specialized care. Providing the right habitat and nutrition allows them to showcase their vibrant tropical colors and lively antics. If you’re ready for a dash of beauty and personality, pygmy angelfish could be the perfect addition.