Bicolor Angelfish
(Centropyge bicolor)
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Centropyge
bicolor are a part of
the family Pomacanthidae.
This is but one of the 74 species of
cataloged marine
angelfish ranging in size from under 3 inches to over 16 in length.
This
species is widespread throughout the Pacific Ocean with the notable
exclusion
of the Hawaiian
Islands. Significant
populations can be found can be found off the coats of Fiji, New
Caledonia, New
Guinea, as well as throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Bicolors are most
often
seen in pairs or small aggregations in brackish lagoon water and along
reefs
slopes at depths ranging from 10 to 80 feet.
This
is one of the larger dwarf
angles, growing to as long as 6 inches in length as an adult.
The
anterior body region and caudal fins of these are canary yellow. Their
posteriors are royal purple or blue sometimes with thin, barely
perceptible,
vertical bars that are only slightly lighter in color than the
posterior
coloration. These fish also have a single purple bar that starts at one
eye and
loops around the top of their head and then terminates at the other
eye. This
fish is also marketed by the aquarium trade under the name Oriole
Angel.
Bicolor
angelfish carry a
moderate care level. They can be successfully raised by aquarists of
intermediate skill levels. This is among the most peaceful of the
commercially
available angelfish varieties. They make wonderful additions to a
multi-species
aquarium provided they are housed with fish of similar size and
temperament.
Angles often demonstrate territorial aggression toward conspecifics and
similar
looking species. Bicolors can be kept together if they are
introduced to
an aquarium simultaneously as young juveniles. This will allow them to
grow up
in a small community rather than being introduced to a member of the
same
species after they have had a chance to establish territorial
boundaries. As
with any family, intermediate squabbling may still occur on occasion.
This
species is rated reef safe
with caution. The younger they are when added to marine reef aquarium,
the less
likely they are to come to realize that many of its inhabitants are
prime menu
choices in the wild. Adult bicolors spend an exorbitant amount of time
grazing
on the naturally occurring algae growing on live rocks. An abundance of
cure
live rock is mandatory for keeping this species vigorous and healthy as
adults.
A well feed angel fish will be far less likely to nibble on a coral or
crustacean and discover a tasty new treat. A minimum tank size of 50
gallons is
recommended for this species. Angelfish are more sensitive to unhealthy
water
parameters than many marine species. Due diligence should be practiced
in
maintaining clean, clear water. Under premium conditions you can expect
these
fish to live up to 12 years of age.
This
is an omnivorous
species. Like many angelfish, this species diet changes
considerably
between juveniles and adults. Juveniles feed primarily on plankton.
Newly
hatched brine shrimp mixed with increasing amounts of flake, frozen or
freeze-dried food will help them become accustomed to nonliving food
items. An
adult’s diet consists of algae, worms and small crustaceans
and clams in their
natural habitat. A high quality marine preparation specially formulated
for
marine angels will make an ideal staple. Their diet can be further
supplemented
with fresh chopped crustacean, mollusks, dried or frozen algae and
table
vegetables such as spinach, zucchini and yellow squash. Once again, an
abundance of cured live rock will help insure their nutritional needs
are
properly addressed.
The
males and females of this
species are virtually identical in size and coloration. This may be
because
they are protogynous synchronous hermaphrodites. All fish
will initially
develop into females. Should prorogation of the species demand it, the
largest
most dominant female will transform into a male. Several juveniles
introduced
into an aquarium together will result in a single male and a harem of
females.
This fish has been known to breed in captivity, but reported incidents
are rare.
Environmental Parameters
Temperature
|
pH Level |
Specific Gravity |
72-78
°F |
8.1-8.4 |
1.020-1.025 |
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Saltwater & Marine
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