Coral beauty angelfish

Centropyge bispinosa · Pomacanthidae

Also known as Two-spined angelfish

Intermediate

The most forgiving dwarf angel: purple and orange, grazes rock all day, cheap in Indian shops.

In short: A coral beauty angelfish needs at least 130 L (34 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 intermediate to keep.

Updated 6 October 2026

Minimum tank: 130 L (34 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Adult size: 10 cm (3.9 in)
Group size: 1+

Reef & marine husbandry

Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026
Reef safety: Reef safe with caution
With corals: May nip LPS polyps and clam mantles; risk rises in sparse tanks.
With inverts: Safe with shrimp and snails.
Minimum in a mixed reef: 130 L (34 US gal)
Minimum fish-only (FOWLR): 130 L (34 US gal)
Aggression: Chases other dwarf angels.
Feeding: Several small feeds; needs algae to graze.

Care requirements

Minimum tank volume: 130 L (34 US gal)
Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
pH: 8.1–8.4
Hardness: 8–12 dGH
Lifespan: 5–12 years
Diet: Omnivore — algae-based pellets, nori, mysis, sponge-rich angel formula.
Care level: Intermediate

Origin & habitat

Native region: Indo-Pacific including the Indian Ocean
Water type: Saltwater
Biotope: Rubble-rich reef slopes
Natural conditions: Mature rock, moderate flow.

Behaviour & stocking

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

Breeding & difficulty

Breeding difficulty: Advanced
Sexing: Females are smaller; sex changes with hierarchy.
Notes: Pelagic spawner; not bred at home.
Common ailments: Marine ich
Internal parasites

Will it fit your tank?

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