As someone who has worked with coral beauty angelfish in the aquarium industry for decades, I can say two things with certainty: (1) Beginning saltwater aquarium hobbyists should always start out with super-hardy fishes and (2) beginners are almost always obsessed with, and only want, color, color, and color.
While there are truly are many more joys to keeping aquarium fish than just looking at bright colors (observing interesting behaviors, for example), the fixation on color is understandable. Even veteran hobbyists love a pretty fish. But, when you have minimal experience keeping marine aquaria, selecting fish on the basis of appearance alone can be a recipe for disaster. Too often, a newbie will strut through the shop declaring that they want “a blue one, a red one…” and so on with little regard for compatibility much less their own ability to provide the expert husbandry required by many species.
Thankfully, the hardiest representatives of some fish families also happen to be among the most beautiful. Take, for example, the aptly-named coral beauty angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa).
Fairest of them all
Saltwater fish enthusiasts broadly declare this species as the comeliest of its kind, which really says something; not only is its family (Pomacanthidae) large and absolutely loaded with stunningly attractive representatives but also most of these species are readily available in the trade (at least if you’re willing to drop some serious coin). While as eye-catching as a fish can be, C. bispinosa is reasonably easy to maintain in captivity, especially when compared to many other members of its family.
To be clear, I’m not necessarily advocating that new hobbyists acquire this or any kind of angelfish during their first rounds of fish stocking. Angels, in general, rely heavily on a high-quality (and sometimes somewhat specialized) diet, they are susceptible to some nasty diseases, they can be jerks to their tankmates, and even nominally “reef-safe” species can exhibit a taste for some of your priciest corals. For these reasons and more, most experienced reefers would suggest that you first try your hand at far more sturdy and predictable types of fish such as gobies, blennies, etc. But, when you’re truly ready for your first angelfish, a BIOTA coral beauty is a great choice.
Let us just get that color part out of the way here; this fish is absolutely splendid. One of the coolest things about the species is its variability. This makes stock from each native population, and to some extent, even each individual, a little bit unique. But the basic coloration is undeniably impressive with a bright fiery orange-red base color. Purply blue markings cover the face and fins, breaking up into jagged vertical bands over the midsection. Neon blue highlights often cover the lips, ring the eyes and outline the fins. Despite the regularity with which it appears in the trade, few aquarists ever lose the sense of awe this animal inspires with its intense hues.
Built tough
So many first-time reefkeepers might be pleased to learn that this species is one of the “toughest” angels. They might even be happier to hear that the species is now available as captive-bred. Yes, as is usually the case,
captive-bred coral beauty angels are hardier and adapt more easily to aquarium life. Not that wild coral beauties are particularly finicky eaters, but these are even easier to please and to keep healthy on a “normal” aquarium fish diet. More importantly, captive-bred individuals are comparatively far, far less likely to succumb to diseases such as marine ich. They are also more “socialized” and are thus less aggressive/territorial towards other fish in an aquarium environment. And yes, being raised entirely on aquarium foods, they are a bit more trustworthy in the presence of corals, clams, sponges, etc.
In actual fact, keeping a captive-bred coral beauty angelfish in captivity is pretty straightforward. As an omnivore, its preferred diet is one that is varied with a balance of meaty and plant-based items. On the meaty side, smaller bites like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp and cyclops are eagerly accepted. These fish can get their “greens” in a couple of different ways. For one, they tend to nibble at nuisance algae that might grow on the rocks and glass (a welcomed habit for sure). It’s also recommended to feed them tiny bits of macroalgae. An effective way to do this is to soften a small piece of dried algae in your fingers and mash it up, allowing the little flakes to drift into the water column where the angel will snarf them up one-by-one.
An angel’s heaven
Even though this fish isn’t highly territorial, it certainly appreciates a familiar spot to call its own and that it can sleep in or retreat to when it feels threatened. Thus, it is best to make sure that there are enough little caves in the rockwork to satisfy all of the fish inhabitants, including the angel.
Also, in the interest of avoiding fights, it is best to acquire no more than a single coral beauty angel per tank. This fish does not get “lonely” for its own kind; to the contrary, it can get a little irate about having to compete with a conspecific within the tiny confines of an aquarium! Housing coral beauties together is more likely to result in a death than in an enduring friendship or romance.
And that’s about it! Most serious aquarists (whether experts or novices) have great odds of success with a coral beauty angelfish when kept in a healthy system–especially if it’s captive-bred–and get all the flashy colors one could hope for! With this as your first angelfish, the others will indeed have a very hard act to follow.
Thereasa Gardner says
Coral beauties are so gorgeous! I hope to have one in my tank once I feel confident in my coral growing!
John Solomon says
Very informative article. I have read up to research on their habitat and care, the information provided adds to my knowledge of their care and living conditions.
Shawn Vest says
Beautiful and most underrated dwarf angel!!
Kimberly Sims says
Very pretty fish!
Russell George says
I’m still new to this but that’s a beautiful fish! I’ve never seen it before but I’ll have to keep an eye out for them now.
roguereef94 says
Amazing
flip mode says
Agreed
roguereef94 says
Amazing information
Donna L Holder says
these are so beautiful
Juan Carlos Perez says
Probably will be getting one of these in a couple of weeks
Michael Kessler says
Beautiful fish wish I could keep then alive.
cronamator says
I like these fish. I always end up going with the flame angel. But I loved the one we had in my wife’s tank at the restaurant.
Rebecca Cooper Brown says
What a beautiful fish. I think it is a must have! Great information, thank you.
Esther says
What a pretty fish!
Charles Folstrom says
Great information, thank you.
Jeff Kostedt says
One of my favorite fish
Jeff Kostedt says
One of my favorite fish
Richard M Jackson says
Ithe coral beauty was one of my first salt water fish back in the 70’s. Yes i am old, but the beauty of this fish holds up over time! Everyone should kepp one once.
jugheadmckinney says
Beautiful fish.
Joaquin Diaz says
Coral Beauties are nice! But I have yet to own one.
Joy Chadwick says
Absolutely gorgeous!!!
Teri Embum says
Had a coral beauty for years. Mine never has nipped corals, although I know that is always a possibility. Hardy fish.
Jonathan Smith says
Love them
zadok jollie says
This was my first angel and it has been great experiences.
Octavio says
I’m in love with my coral beauty. She makes my tank look look amazing with it’s amazing colors
Jeremy says
Maybe one day I can add one of the beauties to my tank. Hopefully I get one that first nip my corals.
Jeremy says
I have heard it’s a 50/50 shot that they won’t eat coral
tyler.powell says
Kinda want one now
lavishtour says
I fell in love with then diving in Key West Florida. A must have for any Aquarium.
CHRISTIAN DOMINE says
wish i could have angels but i o ly have tiny tanks
Marlon says
Love coral Beauty, I have this fish in my tank.
Kayla Lussier says
Angel fish are stunning! I have never had these before but definitely want to look into it more. Thanks for the great info on these beauties!
Abdullah Bacus says
I’ve had one but unfortunately made mistakes and lost it
Brandon Bangaree says
Awesome information
Mitchell Draehn says
Plan on adding one soon thanks for the info
Ryan H Pfaff says
Love the way these fish look!
henry says
they are great fish it likes to play hide and seek with are tang and clown fish around
scotty8284 says
Angel fish always seemed out of bounds, but captive-bred opens the door to possibilities!
Steven Flores says
Nice looking fish. Unfortunately not wanting to gamble with losing corals.
Ethan says
Awesome fish! I got a coral beauty and a lemon peel angel at the same time and they add so much personality.
Tracy Schultz says
I have one and love it.
Frank Politi says
I have one and it was the best decision and add to my reef. One of the most happiest fish ? swimming in my tank. Can watch it all day.
Jorge says
Beautiful fish. Need to get one.
Brandon Baumann says
I wish I had a tank large enough to House a Coral Beauty!
Michael A. Grammar says
Wow
Michael A. Grammar says
WOWIE AND ZOWIE
D says
Love these guys
Jaana K Gilbert says
Pretty in purple!
addison4265 says
super cool post!
addison4265 says
cool post!
Roy Ailshie says
Love this fish. Very beautiful
Robert says
Great article! Always develop a plan on your journey to your ideal goal. Research, research, research. It is simply prudent and responsible to understand each individual life that you introduce into a closed system to ensure their safety and happiness.
Thomas Kiley says
I wish my tank was big-enough to accommodate one of these beauties!
Allen J Fagard says
Beautiful fish
Allen J Fagard says
Beautiful fish, awesome colors
Compy Ginorio says
I have one and it’s very active and well behave all around. Never touch any of the corals. In my list it’s a must have!
Amanda Zlab says
Gorgeous fish!!
Kelly VanAuken says
Beautiful fish
Abdiel Nieves says
Beautifully done, all the hard work that must have gone into this
Shaun says
So want to put an Angelfish in my tank, but I am afraid of them eating the corals
Macco says
What a gorgeous fish
B says
A great fish to have in your tank.
Christina Wahrmund says
I had a coral beauty. It was gorgeous!
shadlepreston says
I want it!!
shadlepreston says
????????
Bob & Brenda Gardner says
I have kept a few of these over they years and it has always been one of my favs!
Ricardo c. says
The name says it all.
Scott Even says
Love coral beauties
MistyB says
Soo beautiful!!!
justan jenkins says
That is one gorgeous fish.
jul.ignacio says
This is a great fish and is the least likely of the angelfish to nibble on your corals.
jul.ignacio says
Biota bred coral beauty angelfish have a beautiful coloration
Scott D Carpenter says
I have had a couple of these over the years.
My fish usually live for many years but when my dwarf angel does die, I usually rotate to a different dwarf angel. My current is a flame angel and my favorite was a venustus angel.
But the coral beauties are awesome.
Froy Lockhoff-Taylor says
I have one and it definitely adds nice colors into the main display. Plus it doesnt bother any of my corals.
geoff.cavilte says
I have one of those before
Nathan says
It is a nice looking fish. I’ve been worried about my corals with it though..
Christalyn Maza says
I have 2 in my 150 gallon tank. One is a bit smaller so the bigger one chases her off. For the most part they don’t bother each other.
Christalyn Maza says
I currently have 2 in a 150 gallon tank with plenty of places to hide. Every now and then the larger one will chase my smaller one away but no nipping!
ryan2577p says
I wish I had a big enough tank for 1 of these!!
Rebecca Riles says
Beautiful
david nathan hatfield says
so beautiful
kaylaroe1990 says
Beautiful
kaylaroe1990 says
Beautiful
kaylaroe1990 says
trevorburns45 says
Nicee
Catherine Carreiro says
Beautiful!
crystalgpscott says
Gorgeous fish. Look at this colors. I love the mid body. It looks like a sunset!
Dale Louderback says
awesome fish
Betsy Myers says
You are a great resource to learn so much
eve.roberts2024 says
Such a beautiful fish! Great information on how to take care of it and how to keep it happy!
Ingrid says
Beautiful.
Grace Riley says
Beautiful fish for a great pop of color in a saltwater set up!
eklips99 says
Beautiful
Rebecca Slawson says
I would love to get one of these once I set up my new tank !
smithma274 says
Gorgeous fish, my next addition!
Jim says
Always great info in your articles
James Winkelman says
Be nice to have a tank large enough for something like that some day.
jimmeiners says
Always great info in your articles
Jordn Gerardot says
Might consider an angel to be my next purchase ?
Jordn Gerardot says
I love it ?
Daniel Paris says
Really pleased with my flame angel. I was a little concerned he might nip at some corals but he has adjust well.
Keith Okano says
Coral beauties are hardy and beautiful. A great first angel for one’s tank.
gbrag64 says
Coral Beautys are one of my all time favorite dwarf angel species!!!!!!
David Hatfield says
beautiful
Caleb A Bates says
I wish I had a large enough aquarium to keep one.
ap7x says
Old school favorite!
Donald says
Amazing
Michael Mooney says
Beautiful fish
Mike Gonzales says
Very beautiful angelfish!!! Have had the pleasure of having one of these in my past systems!
orybailey7 says
Way to big for my tank but stunning fish.
Angel says
Wish I could have one one day
Luca Dorobantu says
Looks so beautiful with accents of orange and the dark blue.
Cynthia Taylor says
I loved my coral beauty!
Michael Kessler says
Beautiful fish but for some reason I can’t keep them alive.
ROBERT FERNETTE says
Beautiful fish, wish I could add one to my tank but I’ve read they’re not a great fit for reef tanks, so I have to pass.
Brandi Johnson says
Absolutely beautiful
Alex Johnson says
A beautiful fish for a well established aquarium.
hotdolphin21 says
Beautiful
Shannon Pickin says
Beautiful fish! I have 2 Angel fish and love them, they’re such beautiful fish.
Rudy A Garcia says
I had on once before. Unfortunately, I also had two damsels. Specifically two Fiji Blue Devils. The Coral Beauty lasted a week before he was beaten to death by the damsels. Thankfully I got rid of them, and have a larger tank now, and I am actually considering trying my hand at one again.
Tony says
Underrated and appreciated when it comes to color and hardiness
Michael Wilkshire says
I’ve had my Coral Beauty for a while now. He’s doing beautifully in my anemone cube.
Debra Hayson says
angel fish are really unique and so b eautiful
Craig Spivey says
Love this fish.
Richard Hicks says
This is a stunning fish. I have a couple of them.
Vickie Gallo says
So pretty!
Aubrey Scott Daniels says
Beautiful fish
Kaden Horn says
Underrated fish!!
Joey Gatlin says
Love these fish they are great ??
Mary Robling Meadows says
Absolutely stunning!??
Kelly Freeman says
thanks for the info!
Kale says
Very beautiful fish. I’ve admired them for a while, but have never gotten one. Thanks for all the great info.
kirkbovie says
Coral beauty definitely a name deserved. I’ve only owned a flame angel but I’d be cautious next time I buy a angel fish, they can be coral nippers.
kirkbovie says
Coral beauty definitely a name deserved. I’ve only owned a flame angel but I’d be cautious next time I buy a angel fish, they can be coral nippers.
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Nicole says
So pretty
Nicole says
Such great colors