Rusty Angelfish

 Quick Care Facts

• Care Level: Moderate   • Temperament: Semi-aggressive   • Maximum Size: 4"
• 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: Western Pacific, Philippines
• Family: Pomacanthidae   • Species: Angels (Dwarf)   • Aquarium Type: Reef Compatible

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The Rusty Angelfish is named for its rusted red coloration accented with black dots that decrease in size from dorsal to anal and pelvic fins. The anal fin is dark and both the dorsal and anal fins are rimmed in bright, sapphire-blue. The Rusty Angelfish requires at least a 30-gallon tank with large amounts of live rock for both hiding and grazing.

Unfortunately the Rusty Angelfish does not a good reef dweller, as it is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. As with most dwarf angelfish, the Rusty Angelfish should not be kept with other dwarf angelfish, with the exception being in very large aquariums (350 gallons plus) where multiple dwarf angelfish can be kept and still have enough territory to satisfy each fish.

Like most species and especially pygmy angelfish the Rusty Angelfish is territorial towards other Dwarf Angelfish and other similarly sized and shaped fish species. Extensive rock work, live rock or reef area is required to give the Rusty Angel a suitable environment in the aquarium. The Rusty Angelfish will spend most of it's time swimming in and out of the rock work picking at marine algae and small coral polyps.

They can be fairly destructive to stony corals and many forms of polyp coral, so they are best not kept in most reef aquariums. However, they can be kept with many soft corals whose flesh is more noxious and less appealing for fish to nip at or feed on.

The diet of the Flame Angel should include marine algae, spirulina, high-quality angelfish preparations, 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. Being an omnivore it is important to provide a balanced diet of algae and meats to provide all the necessary vitamins and nutritional needs.