All fish / Pomacanthidae

Abe's angelfish

Centropyge abei

Also known as abei angelfish, abe's pygmy angelfish, abe angelfish, abei pygmy angel, abei dwarf angelfish

A recently described dwarf angelfish with a dark body, bright orange face and belly, and blue edging on the fins. It lives on deep reef slopes and rubble, so it is prized by advanced reef keepers as a rare, striking centrepiece.

Care at a glance

Care level

Hard

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

22 to 26 °C

pH

8.1 to 8.4

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Single fish, or a mated pair in a large tank

Diet

Omnivore: algae, spirulina-based foods, mysis, chopped seafood and quality flake or pellets

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

5 to 10 years

Water

Marine (saltwater)

Wild range

Western Pacific: Indonesia (Bali, Sulawesi), Philippines, Vanuatu

Breeding

Like other Centropyge it is a protogynous hermaphrodite that spawns pelagic eggs at dusk. It has not been reliably reared in captivity.

Good to know

It comes from deep water, so specimens need careful decompression and may prefer cooler, dimmer conditions. Like most dwarf angels it may nip corals and clams, and should not be housed with other Centropyge in small tanks.