Flame Angelfish

Description:
The Centropyge loricula, commonly known as the Flame Angelfish, is a small, vibrant species of angelfish that is highly popular in the aquarium hobby due to its bright colors and active behavior. Native to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the Fiji Islands, the Marshall Islands, and Vanuatu, this species is typically found in reefs and lagoon environments.
The Flame Angelfish is renowned for its stunning appearance. Its body is primarily orange-red with a distinctive pattern of vertical black stripes running across its body. The tail and fins are often a darker shade of red or orange, giving the fish a fiery, "flame-like" look. As adults, Flame Angelfish grow to around 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) in length, making them one of the smaller species in the angelfish family.
The Flame Angelfish's vibrant coloration and relatively manageable size make it a popular choice for aquarists, but it does come with some care requirements due to its territorial nature and specific environmental needs.
Care:
Tank Size: The Flame Angelfish is a small angelfish species, but it still requires a tank with sufficient space. A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended for a single individual, though a larger tank (50 gallons or more) will provide better conditions, especially if you plan to keep other fish with it. This will also give the fish ample room to establish territory.
Water Conditions: Like all saltwater fish, the Flame Angelfish requires stable water parameters to thrive. The following water conditions 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
It’s essential to keep water quality high and perform regular water changes (10-20% every two weeks) to maintain the proper environment. A good filtration system and protein skimmer are also recommended for keeping the tank clean and stable.
Diet: The Flame Angelfish is an omnivore, and in the wild, it feeds on a combination of algae, sponges, and small invertebrates. In captivity, you should provide a varied diet, including:
Algae sheets (nori or spirulina)
Vegetable-based foods (like spirulina flakes or pellets)
Frozen foods (mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other small invertebrates)
High-quality angelfish pellets or flakes
Additionally, it is beneficial to include sponge-based foods in its diet, as this closely mimics what it would eat in the wild. It’s important to provide a variety of foods to ensure it gets all necessary nutrients.
Tank Setup: The Flame Angelfish thrives in a reef-like setup with plenty of live rock for hiding, grazing, and establishing territories. The tank should have some open swimming space, as these fish are active and like to move around. Providing sandy substrate will also allow them to rest and explore.
Flame Angelfish enjoy a moderate to strong water flow, which can be simulated with powerheads or water pumps. They are used to the natural currents found in the wild, so ensuring that the tank flow is appropriate is important.
Social Behavior: The Flame Angelfish is generally territorial and can become aggressive, especially towards other angelfish or similarly-shaped species. It’s recommended to keep them with peaceful fish that are not competing for the same territory. When housed in a community tank, it is better to only have one Flame Angelfish, as they can be aggressive toward others of their kind.
It does best with non-aggressive fish, such as:
Tangs (like Yellow Tang or Tomini Tang)
Wrasses
Gobies
Clownfish
Butterflyfish
While they can sometimes coexist with other species of angelfish, it is important to ensure there is plenty of space and hiding spots to reduce conflicts.
Companions: Flame Angelfish can be kept with various reef-safe fish, including:
Clownfish
Wrasses
Gobies
Blennies
Butterflyfish
Tangs (as long as the tank is large enough and the species are compatible)
They should not be housed with other aggressive species or larger fish that might outcompete them for territory. Other angelfish species should also be avoided unless there is enough space to prevent territorial disputes.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to keeping the Flame Angelfish healthy:
Routine water changes (10-20% every two weeks)
Efficient filtration to maintain water quality
Protein skimmer to remove excess organics and prevent poor water quality
Algae management in the tank, as the Flame Angelfish will help keep algae under control by grazing.
Be mindful of coral health, as some Angelfish species, including the Flame Angelfish, may nibble on certain soft corals or sessile invertebrates, though they typically leave hard corals alone.
Additional Considerations:
Health Concerns: Flame Angelfish are susceptible to the same diseases as other marine species, particularly marine ich (Cryptocaryon irritans), bacterial infections, and external parasites. Ensuring stable water conditions, minimizing stress, and quarantining new fish can help prevent disease outbreaks.
They are also prone to head and lateral line erosion (HLLE) if water quality is poor or if they aren’t getting the proper diet (especially lacking in sponge matter).
Size and Space: While the Flame Angelfish is small, it still requires adequate space to establish a territory and swim freely. Overcrowding in a small tank can lead to stress, aggression, and poor health. For the best results, avoid placing them in tanks with aggressive fish or other angelfish unless the tank is large enough to accommodate both species.
Temperament: While generally peaceful, the Flame Angelfish’s territorial nature can cause problems if there isn’t enough space. It may become aggressive toward new fish or when defending its territory, so always ensure that tank mates are compatible and that there is enough room for each fish.