The Fireball Angelfish is also known as the Flameback Pygmy Angelfish, Flameback Angelfish, and Brazilian Flameback Angelfish. It is often confused with the African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops).

The Fireball Angelfish originates in the Caribbean and can be distinguished from its African counterpart by its dark blue caudal fin (tail). The body is a brilliant to dark blue with a dorsal swatch of yellow-orange extending from the nose to the end including the dorsal fin. The eyes are large and circumscribed in blue.

The Fireball Angelfish can damage reef systems since it is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It requires a 20 gallon or larger tank with multiple hiding places and plenty of live rock for grazing.

The diet should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysid or frozen shrimp, and other high-quality meaty foods.

Fish Facts

: Fireball Angelfish/Flameback Pygmy (Centropyge aurantonotus)

Family: Pomacanthidae

Range: Southern Caribbean Sea

Size: Up to 3 inches

Diet: Omnivore

Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants

Reef Compatible: With caution

Tank Conditions: 72-78°F; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4

Minimum Tank Capacity: 20 gallon

Light: High

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Swimming Level: No specific level

Care Level: Moderate

Reproduction: Egg Scatterer