FOTW ~Centropyge bispinosa~

[NaH2O]

Fish of the week is Centropyge bispinosa, commonly referred to as the Coral Beauty (also, Twospined Angelfish or Dusky Angelfish).

This little fish grows to about 3-4 inches, and is a hardy species readily available to hobbyists. It's bright coloration makes it a favorite of the Centropyge genus. The Coral Beauty will sometimes nip at LPS and clam mantles, but in a larger tank, the chances of irreparable damage are reduced. This species isn't as aggressive as other Centropyge spp., but might be assertive in a smaller tank. The minimum tank size recommended for the Coral Beauty is 30 gallons. They are a secretive species found in lagoon and seaward reef slopes with rich coral growth in the Indo-Pacific region. Ideally in an aquarium situation, they should be provided live rock for grazing, and fed a variety of algae (Spirulina and marine), mysid shrimp and other meaty foods.

If you keep or have kept this fish how has it behaved in your system?

Photo is courtesy of J.E. Randall

 

[CarlaW]

I have haad a coral beauty in my 80 gallon for over 2 years now, and he/she has been a model of good behavior, aside from adding some color and personality to the whole situation. The only problem that I had was when I introduced him. My yellow tang wasn't quite sure that he should have any company, but after about 2 days of abuse, they have been buddies. they now cruise the tank together. I am sure that when I get my new 180 set up, both of them will really appreciate the extra space.

 

[wrightme43]

I have a coral beauty. It is a wonderfully well mannered fish. My angels have a pecking order and for some reason have decided that a figi damsel need to be involved. It goes like this blueface is king of the tank, bicolor is picked on by him and no one else, the bicolor and the blueface chase the coral beauty, and he chases the pygmy angel, who hates the fige damsel. They never do any damage, everybody just lets it go with a quick chase and then goes back to what the were doing. Only exception to that is the damsel who ran into the longspined urchin (i think)and had a nice wound on this side for a week or so. Mine will it frozen food, new life spectrum marine, cyclopsezze, brine, and lots of nori and dried kelp from the asian grocery. Likes to hide in my rockwork and comes out to cruise 2/3s of the tank, one third being owned by the blueface. LOL HTH somebody. Steve

 

[CarlaW]

Steve, you got any pics of all those angels together? Must make for some interesting tank viewing!!

 

[wrightme43]

I have one more tank maintence to do today. I will take pics this evening when I get home. Should be around 7-8 pm. Central. I will try to get them all in the shot. LOL Steve

 

[CarlaW]

Good luck, me and my buddy will be a-waitin"

 

[wrightme43]

Ok I got done early but I have one more job to do. Here are some photos, of my fish trying to get me to feed them. LOL. All four angels are there, If this is the wrong place to post these photos Nikki please tell me and I will remove them.

 

[wrightme43]

one more set, can you find all the angels. LOL Its like a wheres waldo picture. LOL
Steve

 

[CarlaW]

Now that is one good lookin' crew

 

[wrightme43]

On the subject of nipping at corals and clams my coral b. doesnt, the bicolor nips at meaty corals but leaves the clam alone. HTH. Steve

 

[The Claw]

I keep mine with Clams, SPS, and meaty corals, and it has been a perfect "Beauty". I even have her in with a Flame. They occasionally play tag, but my tank has plenty of room, so they coexist just fine.

 

[wrightme43]

Cool Pic, nice color on that fish. Almost looks surreal. Steve

 

[NaH2O]

Wow - great pics! Thanks for posting your experiences, too.