Pygmy Cherub Angelfish care guide
Pygmy Cherub Angelfish (Centropyge argi) — minimum tank 100 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.1-8.4.
Overview
The Cherub or Pygmy Angelfish (Centropyge argi) is the smallest dwarf angel commonly kept in aquaria, reaching only about 7 cm. The body is a uniform deep navy blue with a contrasting orange-yellow face and blue lips, and a fine blue trim along the fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Centropyge
- Scientific name: Centropyge argi
- Common synonyms: Cherub Angelfish, Atlantic Pygmy Angel
Habitat
Endemic to the tropical Western Atlantic from Bermuda and the Bahamas through the Caribbean and northern Gulf of Mexico to French Guiana. It occurs on rubble fields, coral patches and deeper rocky outcrops, typically from 5 to 100 m depth.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L (26.4 US gal)
- Adult size: 5-7 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- GH: 8-12 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Salinity: SG 1.024-1.026
- Carbonate hardness (dKH): 8-12
Diet
An omnivore that grazes on filamentous algae, detritus and microfauna. In aquaria it accepts marine pellets, mysis, enriched brine shrimp and dried algae sheets; a varied diet with vegetable content maintains body colour.
Compatibility
One of the more peaceful Centropyge but still intra-genus territorial; only one per tank. Compatible with peaceful reef community fish — clownfish, gobies, blennies, smaller wrasses and cardinals. The small adult size makes it suitable for nano reef systems from about 100 L.
Reef compatibility
Reef-safe with caution. Most specimens leave hard corals alone, but individuals may sample large-polyp stony coral polyps, zoanthids or clam mantles. The species is one of the more reliable Centropyge in mixed reefs.
Breeding
A pelagic broadcast spawner. Centropyge argi has been successfully captive-bred in research aquaculture programs and tank-raised juveniles are occasionally available in the marine ornamental trade.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is widely distributed across the Western Atlantic and the global population is not considered to be at risk.