Golden Angelfish (Centropyge Aurantia)

Species Name : Centropyge Aurantia

Care Level : Difficult

Temperament : Peaceful

Color : Orange, Red, Yellow

Diet : Omnivore

Reef Compatible : With Caution

Water Conditions : sg 1.020-1.025, 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4

Max. Size : 4"

Origin : Indonesia, Vanuatu

Family : Pomacanthidae

Minimum Tank Size : 55 gallons

Golden Angelfish (Centropyge Aurantia), also known as Golden Pygmy Angelfish or Velvet Dwarf Angel, is a small marine ray-finned fish, a marine angelfish belonging to the family Pomacanthidae.

The Golden angelfish is an overall reddish orange in colour marked with numerous vertical thin sinuous golden bars on its flanks. The dorsal, anal and caudal fins have a few dark submarginal bands. It will only grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) in length.

The Golden Angel requires a minimum tank size of 55 gallons with plenty of hiding places and live rock for grazing. Place the rock work with multiple places to hide so he will feel secure enough to come out often. This will provide security, and the more secure it feels, the more it will come out into the open. 

This Angelfish is best kept as the only dwarf angel in a tank. It will adjust rapidly if it is introduced as one of the first fish in a well-established aquarium, or if it is introduced and maintained with very peaceful tankmates. Often maintained by hobbyists in the reef aquarium, caution should be used if there is an abundance of LPS and SPS coral in the tank. This species has been known to nip at these corals as well as Xenia corals. In most cases the fish will not damage these corals, but rather just irritate them.

The Golden Angel, like other dwarf angels, are hermaphroditic, difficult to breed, and indistinguishable in color variations from male to female.

The Golden Angel is an omnivore feeding on a mixture of algae, coral polyps, sponges and diatoms in the wild.In tank conditions, these angelfishes may be fed with a variety of food source such as dried flakes, food products with sponge and spirulina material, and meaty foods like shrimp and crustaceans. To encourage feeding, opening a clam or other marine flesh may entice the Golden Angelfish to feed in aquarium conditions.