🔥 Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

The Flame Angelfish is widely considered the crown jewel of dwarf angels. Its brilliant red-orange body with vertical black bars and blue-tipped fins makes it one of the most striking fish in the hobby. While generally considered reef-safe "with caution," its beauty makes it a calculated risk many reef keepers are willing to take.

📋 Quick Facts

⚠️ Reef Safety Considerations

The big question with Flame Angels is coral nipping. Here's what to know:

• Individual variation: Some never nip, others are persistent pickers
• Most at risk: LPS (especially fleshy types), clam mantles, zoanthids
• Usually safe: SPS corals, most soft corals
• Well-fed fish: Less likely to nip
• No guarantee: Even "good" specimens may start nipping later

🏠 Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum; 70+ gallons ideal
• Aquascape: Plenty of live rock with caves and crevices
• Territory: Needs established territory to feel secure
• Algae growth: Benefits from rock with natural algae

Water Parameters

🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Flame Angels are omnivores that lean herbivorous. A varied diet helps prevent coral nipping.

Algae Component (50-60%)

• Spirulina-based foods - Flakes, pellets
• Nori/Seaweed - Offer regularly
• Marine algae preparations
• Natural rock algae - Will graze constantly

Meaty Foods (40-50%)

• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Frozen brine shrimp - Enriched
• Quality pellets - Angel/marine formulas
• Frozen angel preparations

Feeding Strategy

• Feed 2-3 times daily
• Varied diet reduces coral nipping
• Sponge-based foods beneficial
• Don't let them go hungry

🐟 Compatibility

Good Tankmates

• Tangs
• Clownfish
• Wrasses (most species)
• Anthias
• Blennies and gobies
• Most community fish

Use Caution

• Other dwarf angels - Will fight unless very large tank
• Similar-looking fish - May show aggression

Avoid

• Multiple Flame Angels (unless proven pair)
• Other Centropyge in small tanks
• Timid fish that can't compete for food

🏥 Health Considerations

• Ich susceptibility: Moderate - quarantine recommended
• Lymphocystis: Sometimes seen, usually self-resolving
• Collection stress: Buy specimens that have been at store 2+ weeks

🛒 Selecting a Healthy Specimen

• Bright, vibrant coloration
• Active swimming, not hiding constantly
• Eating offered foods (ask to see it eat)
• No visible damage or disease
• Clear eyes
• Full belly, not pinched

💡 Tips for Success

• Add to established tanks with mature rock
• Feed well to minimize coral nipping
• Watch carefully first few weeks in reef
• Have backup plan if it becomes a coral nipper
• Marshall Islands specimens considered hardier
• Quarantine 4-6 weeks

📚 Summary

The Flame Angelfish is one of the most beautiful fish available to reef keepers. Its reputation as "reef safe with caution" is well-earned - most individuals behave, but some become coral nippers. Success involves keeping them well-fed with a varied diet emphasizing algae, providing plenty of rockwork, and monitoring behavior closely. For many hobbyists, the stunning appearance justifies the small risk to corals. Just have a backup plan in case you get an individual with a taste for your prized corals.