Multibarred Angel Care Guide
Centropyge multifasciata is a shy Indo-Pacific dwarf angelfish with black vertical bars on a white body, often placed in the genus Paracentropyge.
Overview
Centropyge multifasciata, the barred or multibarred angelfish, is a dwarf angel of the family Pomacanthidae, placed by some authorities in the genus Paracentropyge. It has a white body with about eight black vertical bars that turn yellowish ventrally, plus yellow mouth and fins. It reaches about 12 cm total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Centropyge
- Scientific name: Centropyge multifasciata
Habitat
Distributed across the Indo-Pacific from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands east to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu Islands and south to the Great Barrier Reef. A cryptic species, it lives under overhangs and in caves on steep outer reef slopes at depths of about 7-70 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
- dKH: 8-12
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
Feeds on algae, sponges, tunicates and a variety of crustaceans. This diet makes it notoriously difficult to feed in captivity; it requires a mature tank with live sponges and varied small foods.
Reef compatibility
Reef compatibility is variable; because part of its natural diet is sponges and tunicates, it may sample sessile invertebrates and coral polyps. A mature, well-established tank is essential. Maintain specific gravity 1.024-1.026 and dKH 8-12.
Compatibility
A shy, cryptic species best kept with calm tankmates. It is semi-aggressive toward other dwarf angels; avoid mixing Centropyge species and aggressive damsels. Tangs, clownfish, wrasses and gobies are suitable.
Breeding
It is found in pairs or small harems with one dominant male and several females. Spawning is by broadcasting eggs, with pelagic larvae lasting up to about 50 days.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.