Bicolor angelfish

Centropyge bicolor · Pomacanthidae

Also known as Oriole angelfish

Advanced

Blue and yellow dwarf angel; gorgeous but the least hardy of the common Centropyge.

In short: A bicolor angelfish needs at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 15 cm (5.9 in)
Group size: 1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026
Reef safety: Reef safe with caution
With corals: Nips LPS and clams.
With inverts: Safe with shrimp and snails.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 210 L (55 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 210 L (55 US gal)
Aggression: Chases similar angels.
Feeding: Three small feeds daily.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 210 L (55 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Diet: Omnivore — sponge-based angel formula, nori, mysis.
Care level: Advanced

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indo-Pacific
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Rubble-rich reef slopes
Natural conditions: Mature rock with algae, stable water.

Behaviour & stocking

Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum group: 1 fish
Swims: All levels
Good tank mates: Tangs
Clownfish
Wrasses
Avoid: Other dwarf angels

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: Sex changes by hierarchy.
Notes: Not bred at home.
Common ailments: Marine ich
Internal parasites
Shipping stress

Will it fit your tank?

Sign in and AquaLog compares Bicolor angelfish against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.