Cherub Angelfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Peaceful, except with other Dwarf Angels   • Maximum Size: 3"
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons   • Water Conditions: 72-78° F, dKH 8-12, sg 1.020-1.025, pH 8.1-8.4
• Diet: Omnivore   • Origin: Indo-Pacific   • Family: Centropyge
• Species: Angels (Dwarf)   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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The Cherub Angel can be found in the western Atlantic from Bermuda and Florida to French Guiana, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The Cherub Angel is also called the Cherubfish, Pygmy Angelfish, or Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish. Like other pygmy angels the Cherub Angel requires rocky caves and crevices to dart in and out of and to provide the fish with shelter when threatened and for grazing of marine algae. Because the Cherub Angels is one of the smallest angels at a max size of 3" it is good for those with smaller aquariums, but who would still like to house an angelfish.

Cherub Angels also have smaller natural territorial ranges, making them more suitable for smaller aquariums. This is a very peaceful fish with invertebrates and other species, so be sure not to keep it with other species that are too aggressive. Please see the Aquarium Behavior section below for information on keeping the Cherub Angel with other pygmy angels.

Cherub Angels exhibit a brilliant sapphire-blue coloration with orange highlights to the face. A bright blue outline exists on the dorsal, caudal & tail fins.

The Cherub Angel does not tend to harass invertebrates and enjoys a tank which provides many rocky shelters. Their territorial requirements are not great; therefore, it is possible to keep the Cherub Angel with other pygmy angels in a large aquarium (100 gallons plus). If you plan on having multiple pygmy angelfish in the same tank, you will want to add them at the same time to reduce the chance of any problems.

In a smaller aquarium it is highly recommended that only one pygmy angel is kept per tank as there is a high probability of territorial battles which will result in the death of a fish. Cherub Angels can also be kept in matched pairs (male & female) in any suitable sized aquarium (30 gallons plus).

The diet of the Cherub Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, clam or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items such as brine or krill. This species should be fed two to three times daily what the fish will consume within a minute or two.