Asfur Angelfish

Asfur Angelfish

Other Common Names

Arabian Angelfish, Crescent Angelfish
Description
An excellent addition for the larger home aquarium, the Asfur Angelfish makes a great addition to a fish only aquarium. It is not a good idea to mix full size angelfish with each other unless the aquarium is 180 gallons or more but can be mixed with other Angelfish successfully.
Diet
Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet containing spirulina and supplement with a sponge fortified formula specifically for Angelfish.

Annularis Angelfish- Juvenile

Annularis Angelfish- Juvenile
Other Common Names
Blue King Angelfish
Description
Blue-Ring Angelfish are frequently passed over as an option for the home aquarium when they are seen next to their more striking cousins. This very hardy fish is a great addition to a fish only aquarium. Shy and secretive upon initial introduction, this fish will quickly learn to come out and eat and be more aggressive once it’s territory is established. It is not a good idea to mix full size angelfish with each other unless the aquarium is 180 gallons or more.

Juveniles are marked with blue and white vertical lines. Adult coloration is very different with electric blue stripes and a dark mustard body color. Pictured above is the Juvenile colored variation.
Diet
Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet containing spirulina and supplement with a sponge fortified formula specifically for Angelfish.

Annularis Angelfish

Annularis Angelfish
Other Common Names
Blue Ring Angelfish, Blue King Angelfish
Description
Blue-Ring Angelfish are frequently passed over as an option for the home aquarium when they are seen next to their more striking cousins. This very hardy fish is a great addition to a fish only aquarium. Shy and secretive upon initial introduction, this fish will quickly learn to come out and eat and be more aggressive once it’s territory is established. It is not a good idea to mix full size angelfish with each other unless the aquarium is 180 gallons or more.

Juveniles are marked with blue and white vertical lines. Adult coloration is very different with electric blue stripes and a dark mustard body color.
Diet
Feed a varied diet consisting of large chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet containing spirulina and supplement with a sponge fortified formula specifically for Angelfish.

Yellowfin Pygmy Angelfish

Yellowfin Pygmy Angelfish

Other Common Names
Moonbeam Angelfish

Species Description
The Yellowfin Pygmy Angelfish is often mistaken for a dark variation of a Coral Beauty Angelfish. It has bright yellow fins that stand out against its dark body. It is a fairly hardy fish that will do best in aquariums utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. It is an aggressive species that should not be housed with other dwarf Angelfish or passive community fish. It is one of the few dwarf Angelfish which can hold its own in a more aggressive tank housing fish like Triggerfish or larger Wrasses. It may pick at stony and soft corals so caution is advised when adding this fish to a reef tank. It will completely ignore non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs.

Venustus Angelfish

Venustus Angelfish

Other Common Names
Purple Masked Angelfish, Blue-Backed Angelfish, Purplemask Angelfish

Species Description
Generally a shy animal, the Venustus Angelfish is one of the rare species that is becoming more readily available in the industry. Usually found in caves and deep reef slopes, the Venustus Angelfish needs to be acclimated to bright lights of the home aquarium in the same way many deep water anthias are. Requires open rock structure with caves and overhangs. This fish was previously classified as Holacanthus and recently to Sumireyakko. Some authors may even classify it as a Paracentropyge. The beautiful bright yellow body with the purplish/blue triangular patch over the eye and saddle across the back make this fish an unusual addition bound to attract the eye and conversation in any home aquarium. They rarely pick at stony or soft corals but have been known to pick at clam mantles. This is probably due to the easy to reach zooxanthellae in the clam mantle tissue. Smaller individuals will be model citizens leaving most fish and even other dwarf Angelfish alone. Adults, however, can become belligerent and aggressive toward any Angelfish and tank mates that may share similar coloration or shape.

Diet
The Venustus Angelfish is very selective as to what it will eat. In the wild it naturally eats sponge material but can be taught to consume frozen and prepared foods with time and patience and careful acclimation to aquarium life. Because it is a shy fish initially, special care needs to be taken to properly teach this fish to accept strange new foods. It is suggested to feed a mixture of Angelfish Formula that contains sponge matter as well as frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina to begin with.

Shepardi Angelfish

Shepardi Angelfish

Species Description
The Shepardi Angelfish is rarely imported, mainly because it is only found near the Mariana and Ogasawara Islands. These two chains of islands are smack dab in the middle of the Western Pacific between Japan in the North and Papua New Guinea in the South. Extremely remote and isolated, these islands make for great diving but not much collection is done in either chain. It is a shame because the Shepardi Angelfish adapts fairly well to captivity and is one of the few Centropyge Angelfish with color differences between males and females. The males have darker, more distinct margining and a blue patch behind their gill plates. They will do best in an aquarium utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. They may pick at stony and soft corals but their main diet is algae. The only reason they would bother with coral is if they are under fed and try to get to the zooxanthellae in the coral tissue. They are not considered very aggressive and may be picked on by other fish. It is advised that the Shepardi Angelfish be the only dwarf Angelfish in the aquarium.

Rusty Angelfish

Rusty Angelfish

Species Description
Vibrantly colored, the Rusty Angelfish stands out as an excellent addition to the home aquarium. One of the less aggressive of the family, the Rusty Angelfish is one addition that is more likely to behave itself in your tank. The Rusty Angelfish is similar in appearance to the Coral Beauty Angelfish but with more orange coloration. It does best in live rock tanks but it can be a nuisance in tanks with coral as it is prone to nip and soft and stony corals as well as clam mantles. It can be housed with other species of dwarf Angelfish as long as they are all added at the same time. Be careful to only combine Angelfish with very distinct color variations however.

Diet
Will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods. It is best to feed frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina algae if the Rusty Angelfish is not kept in a well established aquarium.

Resplendent Angelfish

Resplendent Angelfish

Species Description
Rarely seen in the trade, the Resplendent Angelfish is one of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish. It is very hardy and adapts well to aquarium life. The main reason for the high price tag is the fact that they are only found around two extremely remote islands in the mid-Atlantic called St. Helena and the Ascension Islands. The Ascension government placed a ban on the collection of all marine life including this Angelfish. The Resplendent Angelfish now on the market are coming form various Aqua Culture facilities around the world and only a few at a time are being released. In 1996, The World Conservation Union placed this species of Angelfish on its Red List of Threatened Animals. It is currently the only Pomacanthidae species on this list. They are extremely aggressive towards their own kind and may pester fish of similar size or color. They are very well suited for a semi-aggressive community tank and can hold their own against larger fish. They do best in aquariums utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. They are not known to pick at corals or clams but caution is still advised. They will completely ignore any non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs.

Potter's Angelfish

Potter's Angelfish

Other Common Names
Potter's Dwarf Angelfish, Russet Angelfish

Species Description
Noted as far back in documents as 1912, the Potter’s Angelfish is only found in the Hawaiian Islands. The Potter’s Angelfish is tolerant of other dwarf Angelfish and will share territory providing suitable space is provided (150 gallons or more). It is one of the more shy and secretive dwarf Angelfish and often has difficulty adapting to captivity and a captive diet. They absolutely must be housed in aquariums utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. They are constant grazers and will benefit from the added nutrition the live rock can provide. It is not known for picking at stony corals but may pick at soft corals such as leathers.

Diet
Feed a varied diet consisting of small chunks of meaty foods. These foods include krill, raw table shrimp, squid, clam and mussel. It is also a good idea to occasionally supplement with some type of herbivore diet.

Pacific Pygmy Angelfish

Pacific Pygmy Angelfish

Other Common Names
Whitetail Angelfish, Royal Blue Pygmy Angelfish, Damsel Angelfish

Species Description
Not as popular but just as small as the other dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish, the Pacific Pygmy Angelfish is very well suited for the smaller aquarium. It looks very similar to the Cherub Angelfish (C. argi) but with less detail around its face and a pale clear or yellow tail as opposed to a dark blue tail. It shares the same aggression level as its cousins the African and Brazilian Flameback Angelfish so one per tank, please. It is not known for nipping at coral or clam mantles but caution is advised when adding this fish to a reef tank as it is still a Centropyge Angelfish. If a male and female are kept in the same tank together, chances are this species will breed successfully. The problem of course is obtaining a breeding pair as there is no difference in appearance between males and females. Size becomes the only indicator of sex with males being the larger of the two. Be careful that two males do not end up in the aquarium together because they will fight to the death.

Multicolor Angelfish

Multicolor Angelfish

Species Description
At one time, the Multicolor Angelfish was thought to be extremely rare. It is now collected more often and more economically making it somewhat of a staple in the industry. It is a deep water species of Angelfish which will do best in low light aquariums. It is not a very good reef tank candidate anyway as it will spend a great amount of time grazing on coral if present. Many people have had success raising them in moderately lit reef tanks where mushrooms and polyps were the only corals being kept. The Multicolor Angelfish is very shy and needs plenty of live rock to hide in order to make it feel comfortable. It should only be housed in peaceful community tanks and it is best to have it be the only dwarf Angelfish in the aquarium. Unlike others in its genus, it seems to be very sensitive copper based medications. Freshwater dipping is a better choice for parasite control.

Multibarred Angelfish

Multibarred Angelfish

Other Common Names
Barred Angelfish

Species Description
The Multibarred Angelfish is not often collected and, when it is, never in abundance. It is sometimes placed in the Paracentropyge genus depending upon which taxonomy book you are reading. It does look much different than other Centropyge Angelfish with a deeper body and less dorsal spines so a different genus grouping might be needed. It has a poor survival rate unless it is provided with plenty of live rock to graze upon and hide in. It is one of the least aggressive in the genus and will not do well in aquariums with more aggressive tank mates. It will do best as the only dwarf Angelfish in the tank. If kept in aquariums with coral, know that they are very prone to picking at meaty LPS corals like Elegance or Tooth corals. They will completely ignore non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs.

Midnight Angelfish

Midnight Angelfish

Other Common Names
Black Pygmy Angelfish

Species Description
This coal black sensation stands out as an excellent addition to the home aquarium. One of the less aggressive of the family, the Midnight Angelfish is one addition that is more likely to behave itself in the home aquarium. Keep in aquarium with plenty of hiding places as the Midnight Angelfish is initially shy and can be easily be bullied by other fish. Can be kept with other Centropyge Angelfish species providing they are introduced simultaneously and that the other fish is not one of the more aggressive of the genus. It does exceptionally well in live rock tanks but most will eventually pick at stony and soft corals and clam mantles. It will ignore all non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs.

Diet
In the wild the Midnight angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. The Midnight angel is not considered reef safe as it may nip at large polyped stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids and clam mantles. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Lemonpeel Angelfish

Lemonpeel Angelfish

Species Description
This pugnacious little fish is one of the more aggressive of the dwarf angelfish once established and chooses it’s territory. It will quarrel with not only other dwarf Angelfish, but also any other fish which resembles in either color or shape. It has been known to kill Butterflyfish (since most Butterflyfish are yellow) twice its size. It can be housed successfully with both the Half-Black (C. vrolikii) and Eibl's Angelfish (C. eibli) as long all are added to the aquarium at the same time. The Lemonpeel Angelfish is one of the least hardy of the pygmy angelfish and needs to be added to an aquarium utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration with sufficient micro and macro algae growth. For aggression and hardiness sake, this should be one of the very last fish added to your tank. It is a very beautiful fish and looks great when added to a reef tank but keep a close eye on this fish. As a juvenile, it will mostly leave corals alone but as an adult, it will make a meal out of your prized LPS coral if it is not provided enough food. It will leave non-sessile invertebrates alone such as shrimp and crabs.

Diet
In the wild the Lemonpeel angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. The Lemonpeel angel is not considered reef safe as it may nip at large polyped stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids and clam mantles. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Keyhole Angelfish

Keyhole Angelfish

Other Common Names
Tibicen Angelfish, Melas Angelfish

Species Description
Often overlooked because of it’s plain appearance, the Keyhole Angelfish is an excellent addition to a larger marine aquarium because of it’s usefulness at eating filamentous algae and diatoms growing on the decorations and rockwork. This dwarf Angelfish is one of the largest of the Centropyge (7.5”) and can become quite aggressive toward other pygmy angelfish which are not introduced at the same time. This is one of those Centropyge Angelfish which must be kept in an aquarium utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. They have been observed picking at stony and soft corals as well as clam mantles but we have had individuals live happily in full reef tanks for years with no problems. Keep an eye on the fish if you have coral and adjust its diet if you notice it bothering sessile invertebrates. It will not harm or even notice non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs.

Diet
In the wild the Keyhole angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. The Keyhole angel is not considered reef safe as it may nip at large polyped stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids and clam mantles. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Interrupta Angelfish

Interrupta Angelfish

Other Common Names
Japanese Pygmy Angelfish

Spicies Description
This spectacular rarity is a prized showpiece to any aquarium. The hardiness combined with amazing vibrant orange, blue and purple coloration makes this #1 on the list of most wanted species. Like most of the Centropyge, the Interrupta Angelfish can be relatively peaceful in a community aquarium. Interrupta Angelfish have been noted to be protogynous hermaphrodites and there have been reports of spawnings taking place in home aquariums. They are among the largest of the Centropyge genus so a 75 gallon aquarium is recommended as the smallest that should be used to house this impressive beauty. With frequent feedings, it is possible to keep this Angelfish away from coral and it will spend its day happily grazing on bits of algae growing on live rock and other aquarium decorations. It is by far one of the most expensive yet frequently asked for Centropyge Angelfish.

Diet
The Japanese Angelfish will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods such as mysis shrimp, flake and pellet foods and Golden Pearls. If not kept in a well established aquarium it is advised to include spirulina algae.

Herald's Angelfish

Herald's Angelfish

Other Common Names
False Lemonpeel Angelfish, Yellow Angelfish

Species Description
Often times confused with the Lemonpeel Angelfish, the Herald's Angelfish lacks the characteristic blue markings around the eyes, gill plates and caudal fins of C. flavissima. It is a very common Angelfish found in Indo-Pacific waters and will do well in an established aquarium utilizing live rock for filtration or decoration. The Herald's Angelfish is extremely aggressive towards its own species and towards fish with similar coloration or shape, especially the Lemonpeel Angelfish. It will do well in a community aquarium with peaceful or semi-aggressive fish as long as it is added close to last. It is likely to pick at stony and soft corals but will completely ignore non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs. The best way to keep this fish with coral is to keep it well fed and purchase small or medium sized individuals.

Half-Black Angelfish

Half-Black Angelfish

Other Common Names
Pearlscale Angelfish

Species Description
Though plain in appearance, the hardy Half-Black Angelfish stands out as an excellent addition to the home aquarium. One of the less aggressive of the family, the Half-Black Angelfish is one addition that is more likely to behave itself in your tank. The Half-Black Angelfish is well known for cross breeding in the wild with both the Eibl's (C. eibli) and Lemonpeel Angelfish (C. flavissima) creating some interesting hybrid colorations. Either of which make great tank mates for the Half-Black Angelfish as long as they are all added at the same time. They are considered fairly reef safe as juveniles but may develop a taste, especially for brain type LPS corals as they mature. Keep their diet varied and keep them well fed to avoid this problem. They will not bother non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs.

Diet
In the wild the Half Black angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Flame Angelfish

Flame Angelfish

Species Description
A flashy splash of red color to the home aquarium, the Flame Angelfish is often considered reef safe. Specimens that are purchased as medium individuals readily adapt to a reef aquarium lifestyle. They will adapt to a captive diet quickly which will, most of the time, prevent them from bothering soft and stony corals. Individual specimens that do pick at coral or clam mantles are more often than not under fed or under nourished. It will completely ignore non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs. The Flame Angelfish is one of the most popular of all the Centropyge Angelfish with good reason. It is hardy enough for beginners and attractive enough for the seasoned aquarist because of its extremely bright, bold coloration. It is very aggressive towards its own kind but can be added to an established community aquarium as long as it is added close to last. It is not a good candidate for aquariums that do not use live rock for filtration or decoration.

Diet
In the wild, the Flame Angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Fisher's Angelfish

Fisher's Angelfish

Other Common Names
Fisher's Pygmy Angelfish, Fisher's Dwarf Angelfish, Orange Angelfish

Species Description
One of the many dwarf Angelfish endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, the Fisher's Angelfish is a great addition to well established aquariums utilizing live rock filtration or decoration. It is one of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish, but unlike its cousins, it will not do well in smaller or nano sized tanks. It needs a minimum of 50 gallons in order to provide it a large enough territory to feel safe. Plenty of caves and other hiding places seems to be the key to success with this pretty little fish. It may pick on stony and soft corals but in larger aquariums with many coral, it will usually not cause very much permanent damage. Actually, the most success with the species has come from housing them in reef tanks with high densities of different coral. Like all pygmy Angelfish, they are completely intolerant of their own species or other fish of similar color or shape. Keep one individual per aquarium and add it close to last to avoid aggression. It is harmless toward non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs.

Eibl's Angelfish

Eibl's Angelfish

Other Common Names
Orangelined Angelfish, Red Stripe Angelfish, Blacktail Angelfish
Description
One of the larger of the dwarf Angelfishes, the Eibli (ee-blee-eye) Angelfish is not terribly aggressive. It is one of the hardiest of all dwarf Angelfish and one of the best for beginners. They are considered fairly reef safe as juveniles but may develop a taste, especially for brain type LPS corals as they mature. Keep their diet varied and keep them well fed to avoid this problem. They will not bother non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or crabs. Although they are one of the least aggressive of the dwarf Angelfish, they still will show aggression toward their own species. They are a great candidate for a multiple species dwarf Angelfish tank and should be added first before other Centropyge species are added. In the wild, they are known to breed with the Half-Black Angelfish (C. vrolikii) producing some very interesting offspring. Although this does not happen in captivity, the Half-Black Angelfish makes a wonderful tank mate for the Eibl's Angelfish as long as they are added at the same time.

Diet
In the wild the Eibli Angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. The Eibli Angelfish is not considered reef safe as it may nip at large polyped stony corals, soft corals, zoanthids and clam mantles. There are occasional specimens that live very long lives in reef aquaria as peaceful citizens but the majority of these fish will often turn for no apparent reason when they are older. This may be easily explained as many of the Centropyge family are predominately plankton eaters as juveniles and will switch to consuming it’s natural adult diet once fully grown. Sometimes all it takes is for an underfed individual to ‘test’ a food source. This being the case, be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Coral Beauty Angelfish

Coral Beauty Angelfish

Other Common Names
Dusky Angelfish, Twospined Angelfish

Species Description
Vibrantly colored, the Coral Beauty stands out as an excellent addition to the home aquarium. One of the less aggressive of the family, the Coral Beauty is one Angelfish that is more likely to behave itself in your tank. It is added to reef tanks more than any other dwarf Angelfish (probably due to its name) with moderate success. It will over time nip at corals especially SPS corals like Acropora spp. It stays away from most polyps and mushrooms however and of course will not harm any non-sessile invertebrates such as shrimp or snails.

Diet
In the wild the Coral Beauty angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans and will easily adapt to captive foods and feed frozen mysis shrimp, amd meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clam as well as spirulina, flake and other prepared foods.

Colin's Angelfish

Colin's Angelfish

Species Description
The Colin's Angelfish is a rare deepwater species that makes its way into the hobby from time to time. We see a two or three a month and they usually sell fairly quickly. The big challenge with this fish is keeping it interested in food. The best results will be obtained from keeping this fish in an aquarium with lots of live rock so it can constantly graze on algae and possibly sponges and tunicates as well. It should really be attempted only by those aquarists experienced in keeping finicky, demanding Angelfish.

Cherub Angelfish

Cherub Angelfish

Other Common Names
Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish

Species Description
By far the most popular as well the smallest of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish, the Cherub Angelfish is very well suited for the smaller aquarium. It shares the same aggression level as its cousins the African and Brazilian Flameback Angelfish so one per tank, please. It is not known for nipping at coral or clam mantles but caution is advised when adding this fish to a reef tank as it is still a Centropyge Angelfish. If a male and female are kept in the same tank together, chances are this species will breed successfully. The problem of course is obtaining a breeding pair as there is no difference in appearance between males and females. Size becomes the only indicator of sex with males being the larger of the two. Be careful that two males do not end up in the aquarium together because they will fight to the death.

Diet
Will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods. It is best to feed frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina algae if the Cherub Angelfish is not kept in a well established aquarium.

Brazilian Flameback Angelfish

Brazilian Flameback Angelfish

Other Common Names
Fireball Angelfish

Species Description
Although some may say that the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish is disproportionately aggressive for its size, most people quickly fall in love with this very small fish. All of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish in the Centropyge genus are among the hardiest in the entire Angelfish family. They are very similar in color and shape to the African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops). The biggest difference being the dark blue caudal fin of the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish. These fish are some of the best suited for a reef tank among the genus but caution should still be used when adding them to tanks with meaty brain type corals such as Cynarina spp. or Trachyphyllia spp. They are not known for picking at clam mantles but, again, caution is advised. They may occasionally chase or defend their territories against intruding non-sessile invertebrates like shrimp or crabs but will typically leave such invertebrates completely alone.

Blue Fin Angelfish

Blue Fin Angelfish

Other Common Names
Multi-Spined Dwarf Angelfish, Dusky Angelfish
Species Description
The ever inquisitive Blue Fin Angelfish resembles the more popular Coral Beauty Angelfish both in appearance as well as disposition. The blue coloration in its anal and caudal fins stands out and glows under intense aquarium lighting. It is known to pick at soft and stony coral and clam mantles but there are numerous reports of this species being successfully kept in reef tanks as long as the animal is well fed. Like most Centropyge Angelfish, it will leave all non-sessile invertebrates like shrimp, snails and crabs alone. There are no distinguishing features between males and females with this species.

Bicolor Angelfish

Bicolor Angelfish

Other Common Names
Two Colored Angelfish, Oriole Angelfish, Blue-and Gold Angelfish, Pacific Rock Beauty Angelfish
Species Description
The Bicolor Angelfish is one of the easiest recognized of the Centropyge and was once thought to be the most difficult to keep alive. Because of the advancement of the marine aquarium hobby, the Bicolor Angelfish does better due to the quality of live rock contained in most aquariums which enables it to freely graze until it learns to accept frozen foods. The specimens collected in places like Fiji and The Coral Sea have proven to be of better quality than those being collected in the Indo-Pacific region. The Bicolor Angelfish is one of the least aggressive of the genus but more than one should still be added at the same time to avoid excess aggression. It is not the best suited dwarf Angelfish for a reef environment since it is well documented that this species likes to pick at clam mantles as well as many different stony or soft corals. It is possible to keep it in a reef tank dominated by mushroom coral and polyps however. They will stay away from other invertebrates such as shrimp, snails and crabs.
Diet
In the wild the Bicolor Angelfish has a varied diet consisting of algae and crustaceans. Be sure to add this specimen to a well established tank and feed frozen mysis shrimp, meaty crustaceans such as shrimp and clams. Be sure to include algae such as spirulina.

Minnow Family

The Minnow family Cyprinidae is perhaps the most diverse and dynamic group of fishes in the world. Members of this family can be found in all of our rivers and streams and in most lakes. Their range of environmental tolerance varies from those that are on the very extremes of their natural continental distribution and are threatened with extirpation through habitat alteration and destruction to those which have taken advantage of habitat modifications and have expanding distribution and abundance. Minnows form the basis of our natural stream fish fauna, and they have filled most of the habitat niches through evolution and natural selection.

Description

The list of minnows in Canada and the United States contains 221 species in 43 genera.

Many small fishes, regardless of species, are erroneously called "minnows", which leads to misidentification. Cyprinids are small in size, rarely reaching more than 30 cm (12 in.) in length - even as adults.

Because of their small body size and only slight differences in external characteristics, cyprinids are among the most difficult of our fish fauna to identify. Familiarity with such taxonomic terms as barbel, pharyngeal teeth, eye to head ratio, fin ray counts, lateral line scales, mouth angle, peritoneum color, gut length, and scale elevation is necessary to master the art of "keying" minnows.

Cyprinids share several common taxonomic characters, which separate them from the other fish families. External features include: scaleless head, toothless jaws, lack of adipose fin, lack of appendages at the base of the pelvic fins, and a single, soft dorsal fin in native species that has less than 10 rays. Internal anatomical features are: cyprinids have fewer than 10 teeth in any row on the pharyngeal arch, an enlarged intestine instead of a true stomach, and a series of bones called weberian ossicle that form a rudimentary ear.

Habitat

Minnow abundance varies greatly within the diverse geographical locations. Each cyprinid, like all fish, has a range of environmental and habitat requirements which are paramount to its integrity as a viable population. Several of the minnows have been unable to adapt to changing habitats - so they have perished or are threatened with extirpation from our waters. Geological history originally formed the basics for minnow distribution and abundance, but man, through his treatment of the land and constant modification of stream courses, has dramatically changed stream and lake habitats and, as a result, has altered the fish fauna.

Rainbow Smelt

Description

Distinguishing Features - Coloration: silvery with pale green back iridescent purple, blue, and pink on sides; white belly. Body: slender and cylindrical; gill rakers long and slender, numbering 26-35; dorsal fin of 8-11 rays; anal fin of 12-16 rays; pectoral fins of 11-14 rays; pelvic fins of 8 rays; has adipose fin; tail fin deeply forked; cycloid scales; lateral line incomplete, with 62-72 scales. Head: elongated and pointed snout mouth large, with protruding lower jaw teeth on both mandibles.

Size - Average Weight - 85 g (3 oz.); average length - 17.75 - 23 cm (7 - 9 in.).

Habitat

An introduced species to Great Lakes and other inland waters; usually found in dark, cool depths offshore; spawns in spring, in streams, principally during darkness. Female can produce 12,000 to 50,000 eggs, which sink to the bottom and become attached to gravel; eggs hatch rapidly and larval young drift downstream to deep waters.

Lake Sturgeon

Description

Distinguishing Features - Overall colouration: slate-grey to black above light beneath young tan or buff colored, sometimes contrastingly blotched with dark becoming more uniformly dark with age. Body: thick-set and torpedo-shaped; skin: tough and leathery armor-plated, with five longitudinal rows of heavy, bony plates; skeleton: cartilaginous; tail: upturned and shark-like, upper lobe longer than lower. Head: roundly conical in shape and not flattened; spiracles (openings from the throat cavity to the outside above and behind the eyes) are present. Snout: long, pointed, with four barbels, or tissue filaments. Mouth: inferior and almost sucker-like, capable of being protracted for ease in sucking foods off the bottom. Feeds entirely by taste, having four fleshy barbels on the underside of the snout, which act as sense organs to gauge the distance from the mouth to the bottom.

Size - Average Weight - 4.5 kg - 36 kg (10 - 80 lb); average length - .9 - 1.5 m (3 - 5 ft).

Habitat

Lake Sturgeon spawn from early May to late June, but enter spawning streams as soon as the ice is gone. Spawning occurs in swift water, rapids, or the bases of small falls. The species is found throughout the Great Lakes.

African Flameback Angelfish

Species Description
This feisty little jewel is one of the smallest of the Centropyge family. All of the dwarf-dwarf or pygmy Angelfish in the Centropyge genus are among the hardiest in the entire Angelfish family. They are very similar in color and shape to the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge aurantonotus). The biggest difference being the light colored, yellow caudal fin of the African Flameback Angelfish. These fish are some of the best suited for a reef tank among the genus but caution should still be used when adding them to tanks with meaty brain type corals such as Cynarina spp. or Trachyphyllia spp. African Flameback Angelfish are not known for picking at clam mantles but, again, caution is advised. They may occasionally chase or defend their territories against intruding non-sessile invertebrates like shrimp or crabs but will typically leave such invertebrates completely alone.

Diet
African Flameback Angelfish will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods. It is best to feed frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina algae if the African Flameback Angelfish is not kept in a well established aquarium with live rock.

Lake Whitefish

Description

Distinguishing Features - Deep-bodied, silvery with pale greenish-brown back, fins clear or lightly pigmented.

Size - Average Weight - 1 - 2 kg (2 - 4 lb). Ontario record - 6.5 kg (14.4 lb).

Habitat

In Lake Superior and cold, deep NW Ontario lakes. Spawning occurs November and December on rocky shoals.

White Sucker

Description

Distinguishing Features - Grey colouring, coppery brown through brown to black on back; creamy white on lower sides and below; fleshy, sucker-like mouth aimed downward.

Size - Average Weight - .5 - 1 kg (1 - 2 lb).

Habitat

Throughout NW Ontario in shallow estuary waters and bays where they "vacuum up" worms, crustaceans and, some say, the eggs of other fish. After spring break-up, suckers move upstream into rivers and creeks to spawn on gravelly beds.

Yellow Perch

Description

Distinguishing Features - Olive back graduating to golden-yellow sides and light belly with six to eight dark, vertical bands; front dorsal fin adorned with sharp spikes.

Size - Maximum Weight - 1 kg (2 lb).

Habitat

Widespread throughout NW Ontario, yellow perch thrive in clear-water, from small ponds to large lakes where they feed on minnows, insects, snails and small crayfish. Spawning occurs in shallow waters in May.

Pumpkinseed

Description

Distinguishing Features - A member of the sunfish family. Body blue-green with orange spots; wavy blue vertical lines on cheeks; rows of dark spots on the rear dorsal fin. The breast turns orange in males during spawning.

Size - Maximum Weight - .5 kg (1 lb).

Habitat

Widespread in the western extremities of NW Ontario, near the Manitoba border, in quiet, weedy pools of rivers and lakes, or around docks. Feed on insects, worms, snails and minnows.

Rock Bass

Description

Distinguishing Features - Brown-gold colouring, fading to whitish on belly. Sides patterned with small dark brown spots. Bright red eyes.

Size - Maximum Weight - 225 g (1/2 lb).

Habitat

Found throughout NW Ontario to Manitoba border in vegetated and rocky areas of rivers, streams and lakes.

Rainbow Trout

Description

Distinguishing Features - Dark spots on a silvery background with a characteristic rainbow stripe; tail is triangular and sharply pointed.

Size - Average Weight - 1 - 2.5 kg (2 - 5 lb) but catches of over 5 kg (10 lb) are common. The Ontario record is 13.21 kg (29.13 lb).

Habitat

Originally a Pacific Coast species, the rainbow has been widely stocked in Ontario and is primarily a lake fish. Spawning occurs after the spring break-up when the fish migrate upstream to gravel beds.

Small Mouth Bass

Description

Distinguishing Features - A moderately deep-bodied fish; dark brown to olive green back, fading to creamy coloured belly. Sides display darker, vertical bars which are often faded in larger fish. Eye bright red or orange.

Size - Average Weight - 1 - 1.5 kg (2 - 3 lb). Ontario record is 4.5 kg (9.75 lb).

Habitat

Widely found throughout NW Ontario in cooler, clear rivers with gravel bottoms, and shallow rocky areas of deep lakes; often around underwater structures such as boulders, tree trunks, dock pilings. Not tolerant of warm temperatures; will retreat to deeper water during warm periods. Spawning occurs in June.

Brook Trout

Description

Distinguishing Features - Darker green back fading to light belly with a characteristic red speckles on sides; tail is square with rounded tip.

Size - Average Weight - .5 - 1 kg (1 - 2 lb) but catches of over 2.5 kg (5 lb) have been reported. A record fish weighing 6.6 kg (14.5 lb) was caught in the Nipigon River in 1916.

Habitat

Found in cool, clear lakes and streams throughout NW Ontario. Spawning occurs in late autumn in gravel beds of streams or in small spring-fed brooks.

Lake Trout

Description

Distinguishing Features - One of NW Ontario's largest freshwater fish, the lake trout usually has light colored spots on a darker background which blends from dark to a lighter shade on the belly. The tail is deeply forked.

Size - Average Weight - 1.5 kg - 2.5 kg (3 - 5 lb) but catches of over 5 kg (10 lb) are common. The Ontario record is 28.64 kg (63 lb).

Habitat

Found in the shallows during spring and fall. In the Summer, they are found in cooler, deep water near the bottom. Spawning occurs late September to November on rocky shoals.

Walleye

Description

Distinguishing Features - The largest member of the Perch family, the walleye generally has an olive-green back, with color gradually fading to a cream-color belly. The sides usually have some darker banding. The forward dorsal fin is adorned with sharp spines and the mouth has many sharp teeth; it has large, milky eyes, specially adapted for seeing in the dark.

Size - Average Weight - 1.5 kg (3 lb) but walleye over 5 kg (10 lb) are not uncommon.

Habitat

Found throughout NW Ontario around deeper shoals during the Summer and in the shallows during the spring and fall. Spawning occurs in the shallows of gravelly bays or river mouths in spring after ice break-up.

Muskellunge

Description

Distinguishing Features - The muskellunge has a long and slender body with eyes placed high on its head. It has either spots or dark vertical bars on a light colored background. The tail fin is forked with pointed lobes. Scales cover upper half of cheek and gill covers.

Size - Average Weight - 2.5 - 4.5 kg (5 - 10 lb) but specimens over 20 kg (40 lb) are frequently caught. The Ontario record is 29.5 kg (65 lbs)

Habitat

Found throughout NW Ontario in shallow weedbeds in early summer and near drop-offs towards fall. A voracious predator, the "Muskie" lurks among weeds/fallen logs and tends to feed primarily in the evening hours. Spawning occurs in the spring after ice break-up, along marshy shorelines.

Northern Pike

Description

Distinguishing Features - The Northern pike has a long, slender body and its jaws are flattened like a duck's bill. Colouration ranges from olive-green to blue-green with a lighter belly. The sides are randomly splattered with numerous light-coloured spots. The tail fin is forked with rounded lobes; cheek and upper half of the gill cover are fully scaled.

Size - Average Weight - 1 - 2 kg (2 - 4 lb) but northern pike over 12 kg (26 lb) are not uncommon.

Habitat

Found throughout NW Ontario in various water conditions but primarily in shallow waters along shorelines of bays and marshes. Spawning occurs in shallow weedy bays after the spring thaw.

Electric Catfish

Talk about unique! The electric catfish is the only species in a family all its own. And it produces its own electric currents in order to "see" where it's going and to electrocute its prey.

Electric catfish live in the stream, swamps and lakes of tropical Africa, where the water can be cloudy. So these fish must often rely on special senses to find their way. Water conducts electricity well, so this fish produces a continuous electric current in the water around it. It can detect any object that disturbs the current with special receptors located beneath its skin. In this way, the catfish can sense what's going on in murky water, where regular eyesight wouldn't be effective.

Not only do these catfish use electricity to navigate: they also use it to get dinner. A large three-foot catfish (weighing more than 50 pounds) can discharge as many as 350 volts! It uses this ability to stun or kill its prey, as well as to deter its enemies.

Like eels, sharks, and many birds, catfish can also detect magnetic fields. Scientists only speculate about how this is done; the mechanism remains poorly understood.

Common Clownfish

The clownfish has become popular with children because of its starring role in the animated film "Nemo." But everyone seems to be charmed by this fish's real-life story.

This orange and white striped little fish lives in an unusual partnership with the sea anemones. Though the tentacles of an "anemone" can sting and kill other fish, the clownfish isn't affected. (It's thought to be protected from the stinging cells by a coat of mucus.) The clownfish helps keep the anemone clean by feeding on food scraps and waste. The anemone, in turn, provides the clownfish protection from predators.

South American Lungfish

Lungfish, as their name implies, can breathe air through a lung-like organ. This habit comes in handy since they live in stagnant water that has a low oxygen content, and they need an additional means of getting oxygen.

Some lungfish also survive periods of drought by curling into a ball in the mud and breathing through a tiny air passage. They can stay alive for up to a year in their muddy "cocoons". When rains begin and the muddy air passages fill with water, the fish emerges and renews its aquatic existence.

Giant frogfish

Giant frogfish

Scientific name: Antennarius commersonii

The larger frog fish has a variable colour, yellow, orange, brown, black, green. Relatively smooth skin peppered with small dark spots, or covered with fouling. Illicium longer than the 2nd dorsal spine, very fleshy, with a membrane not very appearent. 30 cm.
When it is not yet at the maximum size, it can be confused with Antennarius pictus and Antennarius maculatus. The former has skin with large dark spots mimicking the sponge oscules, the second has prominent warts. A. commersoni has smoother and more uniformly coloured skin. Larger specimens can be covered with fouling, but these are identified by the size.

Habitat: Coastal bay, Deep reef, Lagoon, Reef external slope

Distribution: Indo-Pacific, Red sea

Painted frogfish

Painted frogfish

Scientific name: Antennarius pictus

Medium size frog fish, with highly variable colour. The only constant are the rounded dark spots, surrounded by a lighter area, very effectively mimicking the sponge or ascidians pores. It can be covered with fouling. Few (if any) warts. Illicium longer than the second dorsal spine, that is short, club shaped, and with a small membrane. The esca is a small pom-pom of short filaments. 16 cm. Encountered in bay, lagoon, along the external reef and deep reef. Typically associated with sponges, on which the mimetism is remarkable. Confusion possible with Antennarius maculatus, or with Antennarius commersoni young specimens. A. pictus is distinguished by the rounded dark spots, with lighter edges, remarkably mimicking the sponges pores and oscules. It is less warty than A. maculatus, with club shaped second dorsal spine, membrane less evident.

Habitat: Back reef, Reef flat, Sand

Distribution: Indo-Pacific