Centropyge Bicolor - Facts On the Bicolor Angelfish

Scientific Name : Centropyge Bicolor

Origin : Indo-Pacific

DIfficulty : Medium

Minimum Size Tank : At least 50 gallons

Temperament : Semi-Aggressive

Temperature : 72 - 82°F

Reef Safe : With caution

Maximum Size : 7 Inches

Diet : Omnivore

The Centropyge Bicolor is a striking member of the dwarf angelfish family with its front half a bright yellow like the Lemonpeel Angelfish and the back half a deep blue like the Cherub Angelfish.

This combination makes the bicolor angelfish a beautiful addition to a saltwater aquarium. They are collected from the Indo-Pacific and can grow to incredible lengths (For a centropyge). 6-7 inch specimens have been recorded. Price wise, they are cheap. Expect to pay no more than $30 for a specimen.

Like all dwarf angelfish, expect the bicolor angelfish to be a bit aggressive once it adapts and claims territory in the aquarium. A tank no smaller than a 50 gallon should be used to chouse this fish. Bigger tanks are always welcome.

When selecting specimens, try to get smaller bicolor angels as bigger ones (5-6 inches) may have difficulty adapting to captive life and may not feed.

They are definitely aggressive towards other dwarf angelfish and only one should be introduced per tank. The exception to this rule is if the aquarium in question is huge aka a 6 footer or so.

Then, pairing them might be a possibility as the added space means they won't be crossing paths too often. When pairing, always choose a big specimen with a small specimen. Angelfish of similar size will duke it out to determine who becomes the male and this is sometimes fatal.

Like all dwarf angelfish, the centropyge bicolor is a grazer in the wild.

They cruise the reef feeding on algae, small crustaceans, detritus, sponges and corals throughout the day.

Ocean nutrition has a line of products that are made specifically to suit the dietary needs of centropyge angels. The best among them is the Pygmy angel formula.

It contains meaty items, algae as well as sponges to ensure your dwarf angelfish gets a well rounded meal.

Always choose either krill or frozen mysis over frozen brine shrimp. Enriched adult artemia is all right but never feed for too long. Adult artemia is of poor nutritional value.

As far as dry foods are concerned, New Life Spectrum has arguably the best in the industry. Their pellets are top quality with some reefers reporting great coloration even after years of feeding these pellets.