What Is a Flame Angelfish?

A flame angelfish is a brightly colored saltwater fish that thrives in larger aquariums. It is a rich orange-red, often with yellow on its sides. It has several vertical black stripes on its body, black-tipped fins and a few bits of bright blue on the ends of its anal and dorsal fins. The flame angelfish is popular among aquarium enthusiasts for its bold coloration, and at about 4 inches long (10 cm), it fits into many saltwater setups.

When adding a flame angelfish to an aquarium, it is important to provide plenty of hiding places. These fish, like many other angelfish, tend to hide themselves completely in order to feel safe. They should have a tank that is at least 30 gallons in size (113.5 liters) or larger for best results. The flame angelfish should typically be the only angelfish in the aquarium, as they can be a bit aggressive with others of their species. They should be added after all the others have had a chance to become established to reduce problems with territoriality.

The flame angelfish will bite at coral, clams, and mussels, so it should not be placed in a tank with living specimens of any of these unless it is monitored very closely, and promptly removed if problems are observed. Aquascaping with non-living rocks and corals is usually a better solution. The angelfish eats algae and enjoys picking at rocks that have layers of living algae on them. When allowed, this species will harvest much of its food on its own. In addition, the fish should have a diet rich in live or frozen foods, with a minimum of dried flakes in its diet.

The sex of a flame angelfish is not made apparent by any visual markings, and they have not been bred successfully in captivity. Typically, they are captured in the wild and transported to where they can be sold as aquarium specimens. They seem to adapt well to life in an aquarium, but sometimes bully smaller fish, especially at feeding time.

Flame angelfish are found in several areas of the Pacific Ocean, including around the Marshall Islands and in the waters off the coast of Tahiti. In each area the fish have a slightly different appearance, differing most with the presence or absence of yellow along the fish’s sides. Unlike other types of angelfish, the visible markings on a flame angelfish will remain the same throughout its life.

The Flame Angelfish, known scientifically as Centropyge loricula, is a vibrant marine fish native to the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean, particularly around the Hawaiian Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It thrives in coral-rich areas and lagoons, often seen darting among the crevices of the reef.

Flame Angelfish are omnivores with a diet that includes a variety of foods. In the wild, they feed on algae, small crustaceans, and plankton. In captivity, their diet should be well-rounded, consisting of marine flakes, spirulina, and frozen or live foods like brine shrimp to maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Caring for a Flame Angelfish requires a well-established aquarium of at least 30 gallons with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. The water should be kept clean and at a stable temperature and pH level. They can be territorial, so it's important to introduce them to a community tank with caution.

Flame Angelfish are considered semi-reef safe. While they are generally peaceful, they have been known to nip at soft and stony coral polyps as well as clam mantles. It's essential to monitor their behavior in a reef tank setting to ensure they are not causing harm to coral inhabitants.

In a well-maintained aquarium environment, Flame Angelfish can live up to 5 to 7 years. Their lifespan in the wild can vary, but providing optimal water conditions, a proper diet, and regular tank maintenance can help maximize their longevity in captivity.

Flame Angelfish can be kept with other fish, but careful selection is important. They do best with non-aggressive tank mates. It's advisable to avoid housing them with large, predatory fish or other angelfish that might compete for territory. Introduce the Flame Angelfish last to established community tanks to reduce territorial disputes.