The Multicolor angelfish (Centropyge Multicolor) is a deep water angel that live at depths from 50 to 200+ feet in the wild. Probably named after the variety of colors present on its body. Its chest has a mix of orange, red and yellow while its body is white. Its tail is yellow while its anal and dorsal fins are blue. The multicolor angel's most striking feature is its crown, a small patch of neon blue and purple lines that is also found on very rare Centropyge Nahackyi.
Like the flame angelfish (Centropyge Loriculus), it is collected from the Marshall Islands, Cook Islands and Fiji, not Hawaii as is commonly thought.
Centropyge Multicolor tend to be pricey due to the fact that they're collected at deeper depths. They retail for about $120. Unlike most of its deep water brethren, the multicolor fare well in captivity. It is a very hardy fish once fully acclimated.
Swim bladder damage during collection is not uncommon. If they are brought up too fast their swim bladder will start to expand, collectors solve the problem by poking it with a needle. Severe damage to the swim bladder will occur if this procedure is done incorrectly. Signs of a damaged swim bladder include :-
* Inability to maintain a leveled buoyancy * Tilting left, right, up or down inexplicably
It has been my experience that this fish tends to turn into a bully once it has established its territory. Among all the dwarf angelfish i've kept, this angel along with the brazilian flameback angel have been the most aggressive marine angels i've ever had the pleasure to keep.
Smaller fishes will also get some harassment. Nothing too hostile, just quick, short chases to show them who's boss. You must give the rest of your fishes enough space.
Putting two multicolor angelfish together is not recommended. If you must have a pair, either buy a mated or buy a large one along with a small one and introduce them to the aquarium at the same time. Do not attempt this in aquariums smaller than 75 gallons.
The multicolor angelfish is considered a medium sized dwarf angelfish (Like the Coral Beauty Angelfish, Flame Angels). They normally come in at sizes ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches. They should be housed in a saltwater aquarium no less than 50 gallons, a 75 gallon or larger tank is ideal.
It needs plenty of live rock to seek refuge in due to the fact that they come from an environment with very dim lighting. It must be given time to acclimate to captive lighting intensities. However, once acclimated (as mentioned above) they seem fearless.
Angelfish from the genus centropyge are all grazers in the wild. Like surgeonfish, they scan the rock throughout the day for food. They feed on detritus, tiny crustaceans and a wide variety of algae.
A well balanced diet should be given in a saltwater aquarium. Foods from many food groups should be given for variety. They should never be fed a single type of food for too long. Although i've heard of hobbyists feeding them new life spectrum pellets for prolonged periods of time with no ill effects. They all looked very healthy in fact.
They should be fed a frozen food that has both meat and algae (Formula One, Formula Two), algae and nori sheets as well as a pellet from a reputable brand like New Life Spectrum.
A very good food for dwarf angels is the Pygmy Angel Formula, produced by Ocean Nutrition. Ingredients such as kelp, krill, squid,squid, vitamins and minerals and much more are used in this frozen food. The ingredients mentioned are all added prior to freezing. Unfortunately there is only one form of Pygmy Angel Formula, frozen cubes.
Like the flame angelfish (Centropyge Loriculus), it is collected from the Marshall Islands, Cook Islands and Fiji, not Hawaii as is commonly thought.
Centropyge Multicolor tend to be pricey due to the fact that they're collected at deeper depths. They retail for about $120. Unlike most of its deep water brethren, the multicolor fare well in captivity. It is a very hardy fish once fully acclimated.
Swim bladder damage during collection is not uncommon. If they are brought up too fast their swim bladder will start to expand, collectors solve the problem by poking it with a needle. Severe damage to the swim bladder will occur if this procedure is done incorrectly. Signs of a damaged swim bladder include :-
* Inability to maintain a leveled buoyancy * Tilting left, right, up or down inexplicably
It has been my experience that this fish tends to turn into a bully once it has established its territory. Among all the dwarf angelfish i've kept, this angel along with the brazilian flameback angel have been the most aggressive marine angels i've ever had the pleasure to keep.
Smaller fishes will also get some harassment. Nothing too hostile, just quick, short chases to show them who's boss. You must give the rest of your fishes enough space.
Putting two multicolor angelfish together is not recommended. If you must have a pair, either buy a mated or buy a large one along with a small one and introduce them to the aquarium at the same time. Do not attempt this in aquariums smaller than 75 gallons.
The multicolor angelfish is considered a medium sized dwarf angelfish (Like the Coral Beauty Angelfish, Flame Angels). They normally come in at sizes ranging from 2.5 to 4 inches. They should be housed in a saltwater aquarium no less than 50 gallons, a 75 gallon or larger tank is ideal.
It needs plenty of live rock to seek refuge in due to the fact that they come from an environment with very dim lighting. It must be given time to acclimate to captive lighting intensities. However, once acclimated (as mentioned above) they seem fearless.
Angelfish from the genus centropyge are all grazers in the wild. Like surgeonfish, they scan the rock throughout the day for food. They feed on detritus, tiny crustaceans and a wide variety of algae.
A well balanced diet should be given in a saltwater aquarium. Foods from many food groups should be given for variety. They should never be fed a single type of food for too long. Although i've heard of hobbyists feeding them new life spectrum pellets for prolonged periods of time with no ill effects. They all looked very healthy in fact.
They should be fed a frozen food that has both meat and algae (Formula One, Formula Two), algae and nori sheets as well as a pellet from a reputable brand like New Life Spectrum.
A very good food for dwarf angels is the Pygmy Angel Formula, produced by Ocean Nutrition. Ingredients such as kelp, krill, squid,squid, vitamins and minerals and much more are used in this frozen food. The ingredients mentioned are all added prior to freezing. Unfortunately there is only one form of Pygmy Angel Formula, frozen cubes.
About the Author:
Gabriela Desouyez has been in the ornamental fish trade for over 20 years, giving her hands on experience with a wide range of marine fishes. Do visit her hubpage for a video and picture guide on the Centropyge Multicolor and another popular angelfish, the stunning Flame Angels.
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