Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Central Pacific Ocean: Mariana, Admiralty, Samoan, Society, Line, Johnston and Fanning Islands, and recently from Ouvea Atoll
Size: 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits coral and rubble reef areas at a depth of 15 to 50 feet (5 – 15 m)
General Husbandry: This shallow water dwarf angelfish has a pale yellow body with a large black dot on the rear of the dorsal fin, and black area at the base of the pectoral fins. Not normally collected for the trade and rarely seen in the U.S. aquarium trade.
Not much is known about its diet/aquarium care, nevertheless, it should no doubt mimic that of other species in this genus, i.e., it be added to only well established aquariums containing lots of live rock that will provide it many caves and crevices to explore and/or hide in when feeling threatened. As to diet, it should, since it’s a shallow water species, include Spirulina, marine algae, and also high-quality angelfish preparations containing sponge matter. Fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and other meaty items should also be included. At least two feedings per day is highly recommended, and also there be only one species from this dwarf angelfish genus in the aquarium, as they all tend to develop aggression to other dwarf angelfish species.
This is one of the smallest Centropyge species and is suited for small nano style aquariums. Yet if so, attention needs to be paid to its feeding needs, as without numerous feedings per day, be able to find enough food to be maintained long-term.
Notwithstanding, more definitive information is needed before one can precisely denote its care/needs.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Centropyge
FYI: All Centropyge species start life as unsexed individuals, but begin their adult life as females. Then, the larger or more dominant individual within small groups will change sex within a few days to a couple of weeks and become a male. Knowing that size is the main difference between the sexes, and not so much its coloration, all one needs to do is place a small and larger specimen together. Within approximately sixty days one of the two fish will have physically changed sex to accommodate the other. A reversal of this sex change is possible if the need arises, but that requires much more time, e.g., weeks to months.
Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Reef or fish-only aquarium
Reef Safe: With caution – may have a tendency to nip clam mantles, large–polyped stony (LPS) corals and some soft corals, especially so when underfed.
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C).
Specific Gravity: 1.020-1.027
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
