The Multicolor Angelfish, also known as the Pastel Pygmy Angelfish or Many-colored Angelfish, is pale peach-orange to yellow. Black speckles on a background of blue highlight an area just behind the eyes. The dorsal and anal fins are blue-black while the caudal fin is yellow. In bright contrast to its other colors, there is a horizontal swatch of silvery-white from mid-body to the caudal fin.

The Multicolor Angelfish needs a minimum of a 30-gallon tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing on microalgae. It does best in subdued lighting, since in the wild, it is a deep-water swimmer. If the Multicolor Angelfish is to be housed with other dwarf angels, a 55 gallon or larger tank is required. Not a good reef dweller, the Multicolor Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It is sensitive to copper-based medications.

The diet of the Multicolor Angelfish should include Spirulina, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysid or frozen shrimp, and other high-quality meaty items.

Fish Facts

Name: Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)

Family: Pomacanthidae

Range: Western and Central Pacific

Size: Up to 3.5 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: 30 gallon

Light: Low

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Swimming Level: No specific level

Care Level: Moderate

Reproduction: Egg Scatterer