Cherub Angelfish

The cherub angelfish is one of the smallest angelfish of the Atlantic, reaching about 8 cm as an adult. Its most distinctive features are the sharp transition between its dark navy-blue body and orange-yellow face, and the blue ring around its eye. In the wild it usually lives in rubble areas below 20 meters. Thanks to its small size it can be kept in smaller aquariums than other dwarf angelfish. Specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 100 liters; plenty of rock crevices and caves.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe with caution: Most individuals leave corals alone, but some may nip LPS corals and the mantle of Tridacna clams.
• Mature live rock full of algae and small organisms makes acclimation easier.

Omnivorous. Angelfish foods containing spirulina, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, dried seaweed. Feed small amounts 2–3 times a day.

Despite its small size it bravely defends its territory. It can be aggressive towards other dwarf angelfish and similarly colored small fish. In a large aquarium, two individuals of different sizes may form a pair.

Good companions: Clownfish, gobies, blennies, cardinalfish, small wrasses, cleaner shrimp.

Avoid: Other dwarf angelfish, large and aggressive species, lionfish.