Coral Beauty Angel (Centropyge bispinosa)

Origin

Coral Beauty Angel is thought to have originated in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean, specifically the Indo-Pacific region. This species, also known as Centropyge bispinosa, is found in Indonesia, the Philippines, and other adjacent island reefs. Coral Beauty Angel is a popular species among aquarium hobbyists due to its gorgeous look, a product of its natural habitat among the Indo-Pacific’s vividly colored coral reefs.

Appearance & Size

Coral Beauty Angel is known for its striking appearance and vibrant colors. This species is easily recognized by its distinctive body shape and two black spots, one on the upper and one on the lower part, contrasting against its bright yellow to the orange-red body. 

The fins are translucent, with a bluish hue to the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. The appearance of Coral Beauty Angel can vary based on the specific region it originated from and whether it has been selectively bred in captivity.

The size of the Coral Beauty Angel is moderate, reaching a maximum length of approximately 4 inches. In a home aquarium environment, the size of the Coral Beauty may be slightly smaller, depending on the tank conditions and size. It is important to provide adequate space for this species to swim and live comfortably in captivity, as smaller tanks may restrict its growth.

Genders

Coral Beauty Angel is a species of fish that exhibits differences in physical appearance between males and females. While both genders possess the distinctive two black spots and yellow to the orange-red body, subtle differences in their appearance can be used to differentiate between the two.

Male Coral Beauties, on average, are slightly larger and have more extended fins than females. Males may also have a longer body shape and a more brilliant coloring.

Behavior

Coral Beauty Angel’s behavior is generally peaceful. It is known for its tendency to swim actively throughout the tank and explore its surroundings. They are not aggressive to other fish species and get along well with many tankmates. This species is not a strong swimmer and may be intimidated by more active or aggressive fish species. 

Tankmates

Coral Beauty Angel is a peaceful species typically compatible with a wide range of tankmates. When selecting tankmates, choosing species of similar size, friendly in nature, and having equal water temperature and pH requirements is important. 

Some good tankmates options for the Coral Beauty Angel include:

• Tetras
• Harlequin Rasboras
• Dwarf Gouramis
• Guppies
• Platies
• Shrimp (such as cherry shrimp or ghost shrimp)

Tank conditions

Coral Beauty Angel requires specific tank conditions to thrive in a home aquarium. This species is native to the Indo-Pacific region and is accustomed to tropical temperatures ranging from 72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 26 degrees Celsius). 

Keeping the water temperature consistent in the tank is important to promote Coral Beauty Angel’s health and well-being. Furthermore, Coral Beauty Angel requires a stable pH of 8.0 to 8.4 and water hardness of 8 to 12 dKH. Regular water changes and proper filtration can aid in preserving these tank conditions.

Creating an appropriate living space for Coral Beauty Angel, with plenty of hiding spots and a swimming room, is also part of providing a suitable environment. This species appreciates live or artificial plants, rocks, and other tank decorations to create a natural-looking environment. 

Diet

Coral Beauty Angel is an omnivore who requires a varied diet to stay healthy. They eat algae, small crustaceans, and other small aquatic creatures in their natural habitat. In captivity, they can be fed various commercially available fish food, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or freeze-dried options.

Providing a well-balanced diet that includes protein and vegetable matter is important. Feeding Coral Beauty Angel small amounts of food several times a day, rather than one large feeding, can help to maintain water quality and reduce the possibility of overfeeding. Overfeeding can cause water quality issues and potentially harm the health of the fish.

Breeding

Breeding Coral Beauties in captivity is possible but requires a dedicated setup and proper water conditions. These fish are known to be monogamous and mate for life, forming strong bonds with their partners.

A separate breeding tank is recommended for the successful breeding of Coral Beauties. The breeding tank should have a large surface area and a shallow depth to ensure that the eggs receive adequate oxygenation. The water conditions in the breeding tank should be similar to Coral Beauty’s natural habitat, with a pH of 7.5 to 8.5, a water temperature of 75 to 78°F, and a specific gravity of 1.020 to 1.025.

The courtship display between the male and female kicks off the breeding process. The female will lay her eggs on a flat surface, which the male will fertilize. The breeding tank should have plenty of hiding places to protect the eggs and fry from potential predators.

Once the eggs hatch, the fry will require a diet of baby brine shrimp and powdered dry food until they are old enough to accept more oversized food items. The fry must be gradually moved to a larger tank as it grows.

Diseases

Coral Beauties, like all fish species, are susceptible to various diseases. The most common ailments include parasitic, bacterial, and fungal infections. Maintaining proper water conditions, providing a balanced diet, and avoiding overcrowding are all important steps in preventing disease outbreaks in your tank. 

Furthermore, it is important to monitor your fish regularly for any signs of illness, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or unusual swimming behavior. If you suspect your Coral Beauty has a disease, you must act quickly by treating the fish with suitable medication or seeking advice from a veterinarian. Remember that prompt treatment can often result in a full recovery and prevent the disease from spreading to other fish in your tank.