Eibl's Angelfish

Eibl's angelfish is a simple but elegant species with numerous thin orange lines crossing its gray body vertically, and a look that darkens towards the rear and ends in a black, blue-edged tail. Reaching 15 cm as an adult, it is among the larger dwarf angelfish. In the wild, the juveniles of a tang species (Acanthurus tristis) mimic this fish. It is hardy and switches easily to prepared food; specimens are wild-collected.

• At least 250 liters; rock crevices and caves.
• Salinity specific gravity 1.023–1.026, pH 8.1–8.4, temperature 24–27°C.
• Reef-safe with caution: it may nip LPS corals, zoanthids and the mantle of Tridacna clams.
• Mature live rock covered with algae supports its grazing.

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

A relatively peaceful dwarf angelfish, but it can become cantankerous towards other dwarf angelfish and newly added similar fish. In the wild it is known to form hybrids with some other dwarf angelfish.

Good companions: Tangs, clownfish, anthias, wrasses, cardinalfish, foxface.

Avoid: Other dwarf angelfish (except in a very large aquarium), lionfish, large triggerfish.