Fireball Angel - Centropyge acanthops

Fireball Angel (Centropyge acanthops)

The Fireball Angel is a vibrant dwarf marine angelfish recognised for its rich orange to golden body colour, contrasting deep blue markings and confident personality. Active, intelligent and highly attractive, it makes an excellent centrepiece for established marine aquariums with plenty of mature rockwork for grazing and shelter. Like most dwarf angelfish, it is best considered reef safe with caution because some individuals may nip at corals, clam mantles or other sessile invertebrates.

Common Name:
Fireball Angel, African Flameback Angelfish

Scientific Name (Latin):
Centropyge acanthops

Maximum Size:
Approximately 7–8 cm

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
The Fireball Angel is associated with tropical western Indian Ocean reef environments, where it inhabits coral-rich reefs, rocky slopes and areas containing numerous caves and crevices.

It spends much of its time grazing across reef surfaces while remaining close to shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–26°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Salinity: SG 1.024–1.026
Nitrate: Low and stable
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

Temperament:
Semi-Aggressive

The Fireball Angel is generally confident and may become territorial towards other dwarf angelfish or similarly shaped fish.

It is best housed with peaceful to moderately robust tankmates and should be introduced carefully where other Centropyge species are already established.

Diet:
Omnivore / Grazer

The Fireball Angel naturally feeds on algae, biofilm and small benthic organisms.

In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including marine algae, spirulina-based foods, quality angelfish preparations, frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp and suitable marine pellets.

Access to mature rockwork for natural grazing is highly beneficial.

Minimum Tank Size:
Approximately 150 litres

A larger aquarium is preferable where the fish will be kept with other territorial species or additional dwarf angelfish.

Behaviour & Activity:
The Fireball Angel is an active reef-dwelling fish that spends much of the day weaving through rockwork and grazing on established aquarium surfaces.

It appreciates a complex aquascape containing caves, crevices and shaded areas where it can retreat if disturbed.

Once established, it is usually bold, visible and highly responsive at feeding time.

Reef Safe:
With Caution

The Fireball Angel should be considered reef safe with caution.

Some individuals may nip at fleshy corals, soft corals, zoanthids, clam mantles or other sessile invertebrates.

Individual behaviour varies, so careful observation is recommended after introduction.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Provide a mature marine aquarium with substantial established rockwork and plenty of natural grazing surfaces.

Stable water chemistry, good filtration and regular varied feeding are important for long-term success.

Avoid housing multiple dwarf angelfish together unless the aquarium is sufficiently large and contains extensive rockwork and visual barriers.

A diet with a strong algae component will help support healthy digestion, colouration and body condition.

Monitor any specimen kept in a reef aquarium for signs of coral or clam nipping.

Suitable for:
Intermediate

Availability:
Regularly available

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.