Moderate

Flame Angelfish

By The Aquarium Calculators Editorial Team ·

Centropyge loricula

Complete Flame Angelfish care guide covering omnivore diet requirements, semi-aggressive temperament, minimum 55 Gallons tank setup, and compatible saltwater tankmates. Difficulty: Moderate.

Flame Angelfish

Quick Answer

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) is a breathtaking dwarf angelfish from the Pacific. It requires a minimum 55 Gallons aquarium with a pH of 8.1 - 8.4 and temperature range of 24-26°C. As a omnivore with semi-aggressive tendencies, careful tankmate selection is essential.

Intro

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) is a breathtaking dwarf angelfish from the Pacific. Its fiery coloration makes it a centerpiece fish.

Setup

A 55-gallon or larger reef tank with abundant live rock, caves, and algae growth. Moderate water flow. Provide a varied diet to maintain color.

Feeding

Omnivorous; eats marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and angelfish preparations. Feed 2-3 times daily.

Compatibility

Semi-aggressive; may chase new fish. Keep one per tank. Good with peaceful community fish. Avoid with other dwarf angels.

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Tank Position
Middle
Water Temp
24-26°C
Adult Size
See profile
Water pH
8.1 - 8.4

Species Characteristics

Adult Size
Lifespan
Growth Rate
moderate
Tank Compatibility
Community compatible
Indoor Aquarium
Yes

Water Parameters

Water Temperature
Humidity
Water pH

Tank Lighting

Tank Lighting
Standard lighting
Light Hours
N/A
Intensity
moderate

Feeding & Diet

Diet Type
Diet: Omnivore
Feeding Schedule
N/A
Live Food Options
N/A

Continue Learning

Recommended Tools

Fish Compatibility Calculator fish compatibility

Health & Disease

Ich (White Spot Disease) common disease • all fish

Related Guides

Understanding pH in Aquariums water parameters • ph

Similar Species

Coral Beauty Angelfish Care Guide: Tank Size & Compatibility semanticSimilarity Diamond Goby Care Guide: Tank Size & Diet semanticSimilarity Foxface Rabbitfish Care Guide: Reef Tank & Diet semanticSimilarity

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Flame Angelfish should be kept together?
Keep only one per aquarium, even in tanks over 120 gallons (454 liters). Flame angelfish (Centropyge loricula) are highly territorial dwarf marine angelfish; keeping multiple specimens leads to aggressive fighting, torn fins, and death. A single adult requires a minimum of 55 gallons (208 liters) with a footprint of 36x18 inches (90x45 cm) and ample live rock (1.5 lbs/gallon) with multiple crevices. In very large systems (180+ gallons), a single male with 2-3 females may work if introduced simultaneously. Avoid with other Centropyge species (coral beauty, bicolor).
What are the exact marine water parameters for Flame Angelfish?
Target pH 8.1 - 8.4, specific gravity 1.023 - 1.025 (35-35.5 ppt), General Hardness 7 - 12 dGH, Carbonate Hardness 8 - 12 dKH, Total Dissolved Solids 32,000 - 35,000 ppm, and temperature 72°F - 78°F (22°C - 26°C). They need a stable marine environment with plenty of mature live rock corridors for foraging (2 lbs/gallon recommended). Maintain nitrates below 10 ppm with weekly 20% water changes. Use a protein skimmer and refugium. Calcium 400-450 ppm, magnesium 1250-1350 ppm. Sudden alkalinity shifts cause stress.
What is the dietary and medication protocol for Flame Angelfish?
They are omnivores requiring 40% sponge-based matter, 30% algae, 30% protein. Feed varied diet of mysis shrimp, spirulina pellets, marine flakes, and formulas containing natural sponge material (Angel Formula, Hikari Seaweed Extreme). Offer dried nori sheets daily. Supplement with chopped krill and brine shrimp. Medication alert: Tolerate copper (0.15 mg/L Cupramine) but sensitive to hyposalinity. Praziquantel is safe for flukes. Quarantine with chloroquine phosphate (15 mg/L) for 21 days. Avoid formalin. They may nip at LPS corals and clams; not reef-safe with soft corals.
How to breed Flame Angelfish in captivity?
Breeding is rare but possible in large systems (120+ gallons). Condition a bonded pair (acquired as juveniles and paired naturally) with high-protein sponge-based foods for 4 weeks. Raise temperature to 80°F (27°C) and perform 20% water changes with slightly cooler (75°F/24°C) water. They are pelagic spawners; the pair rises at dusk and releases eggs. Female lays 150-300 eggs nightly. Eggs hatch in 24-30 hours; larvae require rotifers and phytoplankton for 60-70 days. Metamorphosis occurs at 1 inch. Extremely difficult; not recommended for home aquariums.

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