WYSIWYG Flameback Angelfish TRIO #FA1 (Centropyge acanthops)

The African Flameback Angelfish, Centropyge acanthops, is a small dwarf angelfish native to the western Indian Ocean. Its coloration is unusually striking for such a compact fish: brilliant yellow-orange covers the head and dorsal surface while the lower body is deep blue to violet.

In nature, C. acanthops is often encountered in small social groups. Like many dwarf angelfishes, its reproductive biology allows a group to organize around a dominant male and one or more females. Spawning takes place in the water column, typically around dusk, with the pair ascending from the reef before releasing pelagic eggs.

This trio has progressed beyond simple compatibility or cohabitation. Spawning has been observed at our facility, making these fish particularly interesting for anyone interested in maintaining a naturally structured dwarf-angelfish group or attempting captive propagation.

The male is especially easy to recognize within this particular trio. Compared with the females, he has a conspicuously deeper and more developed ventral profile beneath the head and opercular region, giving the anterior portion of the body a noticeably heavier appearance.

African Flamebacks remain active, inquisitive dwarf angelfishes. They spend much of the day moving through rockwork and grazing surfaces, and should be provided with substantial structure and retreat spaces. As with many dwarf angelfishes, Centropyge acanthops may occasionally nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates.

This listing is for all three fish together. Because they are currently functioning as a spawning social group, we do not intend to separate the trio.

The male and two females can be distinguished readily when observed in person. The male has a particularly conspicuous enlargement of the ventral anterior beneath the gill covers. This description refers to the appearance of the male in this trio and should not be treated as a universal method for sexing every Centropyge acanthops.

Spawning has been directly observed, although we do not currently have video footage of the spawning event. As with any fish, continued spawning after transfer cannot be guaranteed; reproductive behavior can be affected by environment, social conditions, feeding, lighting, and acclimation. Spawning was observed to occur in a 48" span 60 gallon.

The African Flameback Angelfish can be territorial, particularly toward conspecifics and other dwarf angelfishes. Maintaining an existing social group does not eliminate this behavior, and the trio should be provided with adequate space and complex rockwork. As with other members of Centropyge, they are best considered reef safe with caution, since individuals may investigate or nip sessile invertebrates.