Half Black Angel - Centropyge vroliki

Half Black Angel (Centropyge vrolikii)

The Half Black Angel, Centropyge vrolikii, is a hardy and attractive dwarf marine angelfish, recognised for its pale pearly-grey front half, dark black rear body, yellow-orange facial highlights and electric blue edging to the fins. Also known as the Half Black Angelfish or Pearlscale Angelfish, this species is a popular choice for mature marine aquariums thanks to its manageable size, active grazing behaviour and classic dwarf angel personality. It can be kept successfully in many reef-style systems, but should be treated as reef safe with caution because individual fish may nip at some corals, sessile invertebrates or clam mantles.

Common Name:
Half Black Angel, Half Black Angelfish, Pearlscale Angelfish, Halfblack Angelfish, Blacktail Angelfish.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Centropyge vrolikii

Maximum Size:
Around 12 cm, making it a medium-sized dwarf angelfish that needs good rockwork and swimming space.

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Found across the Indo-West Pacific, including reef regions from the eastern Indian Ocean through Indonesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, northern Australia and nearby western Pacific localities. In the wild, Half Black Angels inhabit coral-rich lagoons and seaward reefs, where they spend much of the day moving through rockwork and grazing algae from reef surfaces. They are often associated with mature reef structure, caves, coral growth and natural shelter.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 24–27°C
pH Range: 8.1–8.4
Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025

Temperament:
Semi-aggressive. Half Black Angels are usually manageable in suitably sized aquariums, but they can become territorial, especially towards other dwarf angelfish, similarly shaped fish or newly added peaceful species. Best kept with peaceful to moderately robust marine fish rather than very timid tank mates. Avoid keeping multiple dwarf angelfish together unless the aquarium is large and carefully planned.

Diet:
Omnivorous grazer with a strong algae-feeding element. In the wild, this species feeds heavily on algae and reef-surface growths. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including marine algae sheets, spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped seafood and high-quality angelfish preparations. A mature aquarium with established live rock for grazing is strongly recommended. Feeding small amounts regularly can help reduce the chance of coral or invertebrate picking.

Minimum Tank Size:
A practical minimum of around 250 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for reef systems or if keeping with other assertive fish. Provide mature live rock, caves, overhangs and plenty of territory breaks.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active daytime grazer that spends much of its time weaving through rockwork, picking at algae films and exploring caves or crevices. It can be shy when first introduced, but usually becomes bolder once settled. Half Black Angels appreciate mature aquascapes with natural grazing surfaces and multiple hiding areas. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump.

Reef Safe:
Reef Safe with Caution
Half Black Angels are often kept in reef aquariums, but individual behaviour can vary. Some specimens ignore corals, while others may nip soft corals, fleshy LPS corals, SPS polyps, zoanthids, sessile invertebrates or clam mantles. Keeping the fish well fed and providing natural algae grazing can reduce risk, but it cannot remove it completely.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best added to a mature marine aquarium with plenty of established live rock and grazing surfaces. Avoid housing with aggressive dwarf angelfish or very similar species unless the aquarium is large enough to provide separate territories. Monitor carefully in reef aquariums, especially around fleshy corals, zoanthids and clams. This species can hybridise naturally with other Centropyge species in areas where their ranges overlap, so colour and markings may vary between individuals.

Suitable for:
Intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Common in trade / Availability can vary depending on size, supplier and import season

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.