Resplendent Angel Care Guide

Centropyge resplendens is a small dwarf angelfish endemic to Ascension Island, blue-bodied with yellow markings and a yellow tail.

Overview

Centropyge resplendens, the resplendent pygmy angelfish, is a small Pomacanthidae species described by Lubbock and Sankey in 1975. The body is largely deep blue with a yellow snout patch and yellow along the back to a yellow caudal fin. It reaches about 6 cm total length.

Taxonomy

• Family: Pomacanthidae
• Genus: Centropyge
• Scientific name: Centropyge resplendens

Habitat

Endemic to the waters around Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean. It occurs over rock and rubble substrates at depths of about 15-40 m.

Tank requirements

• Minimum tank volume: 200 L
• Temperature: 24-26 °C
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Specific gravity: 1.024-1.026
• dKH: 8-12
• Adult size: 6-8 cm
• Lifespan: 8-15 years

Diet

Feeds on algae and detritus. In captivity it requires a mature tank with microalgae for grazing plus small prepared foods, mysis and marine algae offered frequently.

Reef compatibility

Reef compatibility is variable, as with most Centropyge it may sample coral polyps and clam mantles. A peaceful, well-fed specimen in a mature tank is usually well behaved. Maintain specific gravity 1.024-1.026 and dKH 8-12.

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive toward other dwarf angels; avoid mixing Centropyge species and aggressive damsels. Tangs, clownfish, wrasses and gobies make suitable companions.

Breeding

It is a protogynous hermaphrodite in which the dominant female becomes male; the sex change can reverse over a few weeks. The species has been bred in captivity, although infrequently.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern. It is rare and highly valued in the aquarium trade.