Flame Angel

(Centropyge loriculus)

A flame angel is a species of saltwater fish that is native to the Pacific Ocean. It is a small, brightly colored fish that is often kept in aquariums as a pet. The flame angel is named for its bright orange-red coloration and distinctive black markings, which resemble flames. It is a member of the genus Centropyge, which includes a number of other small, colorful species of angelfish.

Flame angels are native to the reefs of the Central and Western Pacific, including the Great Barrier Reef, Palau, and the Philippines. They are found at depths of up to 50 meters (165 feet) and are known to inhabit a variety of coral reef environments, including lagoons, seaward reefs, and outer reef slopes.

In the aquarium, flame angels are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish. They are generally hardy and adapt well to life in captivity, but they do require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prepared foods, including pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. They may also pick at algae and other small invertebrates in the tank. Is there anything else you would like to know about flame angels?

Captive Care

Flame angels are generally hardy and adapt well to life in captivity, but they do require a well-established tank with plenty of live rock for hiding and grazing. They are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prepared foods, including pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. They may also pick at algae and other small invertebrates in the tank.

It is important to provide a suitable environment for flame angels in the aquarium to ensure their health and well-being. Some considerations for captive care include:

• Tank size: Flame angels are small fish, but they still need plenty of swimming space. A tank of at least 50 gallons is recommended for a single flame angel, with an additional 10 gallons of space for each additional fish.
• Water quality: Flame angels are sensitive to water quality and will not thrive in dirty or poorly maintained tanks. It is important to perform regular water changes to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated.
• Temperature and pH: Flame angels are native to tropical waters and require a tank temperature of around 76-82°F (24-28°C) and a pH of 8.1-8.4. It is important to maintain a stable temperature and pH to ensure the health of the fish.
• Tank mates: Flame angels are generally peaceful and can be kept with other peaceful fish, but they can be territorial and may become aggressive towards other angelfish or fish with similar coloring or body shape. It is important to choose tank mates carefully to ensure compatibility.
• Diet: As mentioned earlier, flame angels are omnivorous and will eat a variety of prepared foods, including pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. It is important to provide a varied diet to ensure the fish are getting all the nutrients they need. Live or frozen foods, such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and plankton, can also be included in the diet to provide additional nutrition.

By providing a suitable environment and proper care, flame angels can be long-lived and rewarding pets. If you have any further questions about the care of flame angels, don’t hesitate to ask.