{"product_id":"flameback-dwarf-angelfish-africa","title":"Dwarf Flameback Angelfish - Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Dwarf Flameback Angelfish, \u003cem\u003eCentropyge acanthops\u003c\/em\u003e, is a compact and brilliantly colored saltwater fish prized for its intense contrast and energetic personality. The upper body, head, dorsal area, and tail display vivid golden-yellow to orange coloration, while the lower body is deep blue to nearly black with subtle blue-purple spotting. Despite reaching only around 3 inches as an adult, this dwarf angelfish has the presence and coloration of a much larger marine aquarium fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to the western Indian Ocean, including the coastal waters of East Africa and South Africa, \u003cem\u003eCentropyge acanthops\u003c\/em\u003e naturally inhabits reef environments with coral rubble and abundant shelter. In the aquarium, it spends much of its time cruising through rockwork, investigating crevices, and grazing on surfaces. Its small adult size makes it especially appealing for moderately sized reef aquariums and fish-only aquariums where a colorful, active centerpiece fish is desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Flameback has a bold, semi-aggressive temperament typical of many dwarf angelfish. With mature rockwork, appropriate tankmates, and a varied omnivorous diet, it can make an exceptionally attractive addition to a well-established marine aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCare Level: Easy to Moderate\u003cbr\u003eMinimum Tank Size: 55 gallons\u003cbr\u003eTemperament: Semi-aggressive\u003cbr\u003eDiet: Omnivore\u003cbr\u003eReef Safe: With Caution\u003cbr\u003eRegion: Western Indian Ocean, including East Africa and South Africa\u003cbr\u003eScientific Name: \u003cem\u003eCentropyge acanthops\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a mature aquarium with substantial live rock arranged into caves, overhangs, and narrow passages. The African Flameback naturally inhabits reef and coral-rubble environments and appreciates having multiple secure retreats available throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeave open areas between rock structures for active swimming while maintaining plenty of surfaces for natural grazing. Established live rock with algae and associated microfauna is particularly beneficial. Moderate to strong reef-style water movement is appropriate as long as calmer areas remain available among the rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure aquarium cover is recommended, particularly during introduction when the fish may be more easily startled. Because this species can become territorial despite its small size, adequate space and multiple hiding areas are important for long-term compatibility with other fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDiet and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Flameback Angelfish is an omnivore that naturally consumes algae along with small benthic invertebrates and other organisms found on reef surfaces. A varied captive diet is important for maintaining good coloration, body condition, and long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOffer high-quality marine angelfish preparations, spirulina-based foods, marine algae, high-quality pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, and balanced frozen marine blends. Algae sheets can also be offered periodically, especially in aquariums where natural algal growth is limited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions two to three times daily when practical. Mature live rock provides additional opportunities for natural grazing between prepared feedings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough small, the African Flameback Angelfish is confident and semi-aggressive. Established individuals may defend preferred caves or sections of rockwork and can chase timid fish or newly introduced tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is best housed with peaceful to moderately assertive marine fish that are not easily intimidated. Very passive species may require additional space and extensive shelter to coexist comfortably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeeping one dwarf angelfish per aquarium is generally the safest approach. Particular caution should be used when combining it with other \u003cem\u003eCentropyge\u003c\/em\u003e species, similarly shaped fish, or other dwarf angelfish, as territorial disputes can become persistent. Multiple individuals should only be attempted in appropriately large, carefully structured systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Flameback Angelfish is reef safe with caution. Many individuals can be maintained successfully in reef aquariums, but dwarf angelfish are not considered completely reliable around all sessile invertebrates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome specimens may nip at fleshy LPS corals, zoanthids, soft corals, clam mantles, or other desirable sessile organisms. This behavior varies significantly between individual fish and cannot be completely eliminated through feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe species generally poses little risk to healthy ornamental shrimp, crabs, and snails, although very small invertebrates may occasionally be investigated. Monitor new individuals closely when introducing them to valuable coral or clam collections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature: 75–80°F\u003cbr\u003eSpecific Gravity: 1.024–1.026\u003cbr\u003epH: 8.1–8.4\u003cbr\u003eAlkalinity: 8–12 dKH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water conditions are more important than continually adjusting parameters to reach exact numbers. Avoid sudden fluctuations in temperature, salinity, or water chemistry, particularly during acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Considerations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite reaching only about 3 inches, this dwarf angelfish can be territorial and should not be treated as a passive community fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature live rock with caves, crevices, and grazing surfaces is strongly recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse caution when housing it with other dwarf angelfish or similarly shaped territorial species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReef compatibility varies by individual, and occasional nipping at corals or clam mantles is possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a varied diet containing both marine algae and meaty foods rather than relying on a single prepared food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"TSA Fish","offers":[{"title":"S","offer_id":52211783860522,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfS","price":110.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"SM","offer_id":52211783893290,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfSM","price":116.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"M","offer_id":52211783926058,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfM","price":125.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"ML","offer_id":52211783958826,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfML","price":137.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"L","offer_id":52211783991594,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfL","price":146.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"XL","offer_id":52211784024362,"sku":"ANGELxFlamebkAfX","price":158.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0783\/0873\/7322\/files\/topshelf-gemini-portrait-flameback-dwarf-angelfish_0f6b7d97-1934-4ed5-87d1-873ec46e1c12.jpg?v=1788555936","url":"https:\/\/topshelfaquatics.com\/products\/flameback-dwarf-angelfish-africa","provider":"Top Shelf Aquatics ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}