Care
The Halfblack Angelfish isknown from coral rich lagoons and seaward reefs to a depth of 25m (82ft). This prettylittle half-pearl-half-black coloured fish requires a mature aquarium withplenty of live rockwork, on which it can graze for the microalgae, and in whichit can hide. Unfortunately, this species is rather notorious for picking onzoanthids and LPS corals (see Reef Aquarium Compatibility below) so caution isadvised when adding to a reef set up; the larger the tank, the better, as thefish is then less likely to continually pick at any particular sessileinvertebrate and cause irreparable damage. A frequent, varied feeding regimewill also help in this respect. Like most other members of the
Centropyge genus, the HalfblackAngelfish does not grow very large, but nevertheless, it is an active specieswhich requires plenty of space. Unless the aquarium is of XL proportions, onlyone specimen should be housed per tank, and not with any other
Centropyge species. If the aquarium isspacious enough, it is possible to keep a compatible male-female pair if they areadded simultaneously. However, this should only ever be attempted by advancedaquarists who have the means to separate the fish if a problem arises. Goodfiltration, along with decent water movement to generate high levels ofoxygenation, are a must. This is a territorial species that will behavepugnaciously when newcomers are added to the tank after it has becomeestablished (particularly small placid fish) and so we advise that whenplanning on including a Halfblack Angelfish in your stock list, it should bethe last fish that is added to the aquarium. Natural hybrids of the HalfblackAngelfish and the Lemonpeel Angelfish (
C.flavissima), and the Halfblack Angelfish and the Red Stripe Angelfish (
C. eibli) are sometimes seen at areas ofsympatry, and are occasionally available in the trade. Interestingly, theHalfblack Angelfish is mimicked by juveniles of the acanthurid
Acanthurus pyroferus (a species which ishighly variable as a juvenile, and which is capable of mimicking both
C. vrolikii and
C. flavissima, depending on which species is most abundant in thesame area).
Feeding
Should be offered a varieddiet including Spirulina & marine algae as well as meaty fare such asvitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, special sponge-basedAngelfish preparations, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel. Feedsmall amounts at least 3 times per day. Fish that are well-fed are more likelyto leave invertebrate life alone.
Breeding
Occasional spawnings have beenreported in captivity, although there are no reports of successfully rearingthe young once the eggs have hatched. Dwarf angelfish are broadcast spawners,releasing eggs and milt simultaneously into the water column at dusk.
