Coral Beauty Angelfish

Description:
The Centropyge bispinosa, commonly known as the Half-Black Angelfish, is a small, striking species of angelfish that originates from the Indo-Pacific region, including areas around the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vanuatu. This angelfish is popular among aquarium hobbyists for its unique coloration and manageable size, making it a great choice for smaller tanks.
The Half-Black Angelfish has a distinctive appearance, with a dark black or dark blue coloration on its upper half, while the lower half of the body is a bright yellow-orange. This coloration gives it a "half-black" look, which is what its common name refers to. The fish typically grows to a maximum size of around 3-4 inches (7-10 cm), making it one of the smaller species in the angelfish family.
As a member of the Centropyge genus, the Half-Black Angelfish is considered a dwarf angelfish and has similar care requirements to other dwarf angelfish species. It is active, colorful, and a fantastic addition to reef tanks or peaceful community aquariums.
Care:
Tank Size: The Half-Black Angelfish is small but still requires enough space to establish its territory and swim freely. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single individual, though 40 gallons or larger is preferable, especially if you plan to keep other fish with it. As a dwarf angelfish, it doesn’t need a huge tank, but it does need space to thrive.
Water Conditions: The Half-Black Angelfish is fairly hardy but thrives in stable, clean water conditions. The following parameters should be maintained:
Temperature: 74-80°F (23-27°C)
Salinity: 1.023-1.025 specific gravity
pH: 8.1-8.4
Ammonia, Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Less than 10 ppm
Stable water quality is key, and regular water changes (10-20% every two weeks) should be performed to ensure the fish remains healthy. Efficient filtration and a protein skimmer will help maintain water quality in the tank.
Diet: The Half-Black Angelfish is an omnivore, and in the wild, it feeds on a variety of foods, including algae, small invertebrates, and sponges. In captivity, its diet should be varied to ensure a balanced nutritional intake. Good food options include:
Sponge-based foods (commercial or natural sponge)
Algae sheets (nori or spirulina)
Frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small invertebrates)
Vegetable-based foods (spirulina pellets, flakes)
High-quality angelfish pellets or flakes
Offering a varied diet that includes sponge-based foods is particularly important for the Half-Black Angelfish, as sponges are a key part of its natural diet. A balanced diet will help prevent nutrient deficiencies and promote optimal health.
Tank Setup: The Half-Black Angelfish is best kept in a reef-like environment with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. It’s important to have some open swimming areas, as these fish are active swimmers. Providing rock caves and overhangs will give them places to explore and retreat if needed.
A sandy substrate is ideal for resting, though this is not strictly necessary. A moderate to strong water flow will replicate the natural currents the fish would experience in the wild, and this also benefits the health of the tank as it promotes water circulation.
Social Behavior: The Half-Black Angelfish is generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks. It may become slightly aggressive towards other angelfishes or similarly shaped species, especially if they are competing for territory. For best results, keep them with other peaceful fish, such as:
Clownfish
Tangs (such as Yellow Tang or Purple Tang)
Wrasses
Gobies
Blennies
While it can be kept with other species of angelfish in larger tanks, overcrowding or other dwarf angelfish species may lead to aggression. It's usually best to keep just one individual per tank unless the aquarium is large enough to allow for territorial separation.
Companions: The Half-Black Angelfish generally does well with a variety of reef-safe fish, such as:
Clownfish
Wrasses
Gobies
Blennies
Butterflyfish
Tangs (with caution, as territorial disputes can arise)
Avoid housing it with other aggressive species or large fish that might outcompete it for food and territory. Also, be cautious when keeping multiple angelfish species in the same tank, as they can be territorial with one another.
Maintenance: Regular tank maintenance is key to ensuring the Half-Black Angelfish remains healthy:
Perform regular water changes (10-20% every two weeks)
Use a protein skimmer to remove excess organic waste
Ensure efficient filtration to maintain water quality and reduce toxins
Control algae growth to keep the fish's grazing needs met
Monitoring the water quality and making sure it stays within the recommended parameters is essential for preventing stress and disease.
Additional Considerations:
Size and Space: While the Half-Black Angelfish is small, it still requires sufficient space to swim, explore, and establish territory. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to aggression and stress. A 30-40 gallon tank is ideal for one individual, and a larger tank is preferable if keeping multiple fish or a more complex reef setup.
Temperament: While the Half-Black Angelfish is generally peaceful, it is territorial and can become aggressive toward other angelfishes or fish of similar shape. It’s best to carefully plan the tank’s stocking to avoid conflicts. Providing ample hiding spots and separate territories can help reduce aggression.