Description:
Keyhole Angel - Import - Pick Up In Store Only
Centropyge
- Origin:
- Adult Size:15
- Social: Peaceful with similarly sized fish
- Care: Easy
- Semi Aggressive
- Omnivore
The Keyhole Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge potteri, is a beautiful and relatively hardy dwarf angelfish that could be a stunning addition to your marine aquarium in Caboolture. Here's a comprehensive guide to their care:
Appearance:
- They have an oval-shaped body with a base coloration that can vary from a reddish-orange to a deep maroon or even a brownish hue.
- Their most distinctive feature is a prominent dark, oval or keyhole-shaped spot located on their flank, just below the posterior part of the dorsal fin. This spot is often outlined in a lighter color.
- They often have subtle blue or purple markings around their fins and face.
- Juveniles may have slightly different coloration and the keyhole spot might be less defined.
- They typically reach a maximum size of around 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in the aquarium.
Natural Habitat:
- Keyhole Angelfish are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, where they inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, often in surge zones or areas with strong currents.
Aquarium Care:
- Minimum Tank Size: A tank of at least 190 liters (50 gallons) is recommended for a single adult Keyhole Angelfish. Larger tanks are always better for stability and to accommodate their swimming habits.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F) – This range should be manageable, but a reliable heater is essential for cooler periods.
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity (sg)
- Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
- Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
- Aquascaping: Provide a mature tank with plenty of live rock. They appreciate numerous hiding places within the rockwork and areas where they can graze on algae. The rockwork should create caves and crevices.
- Water Flow: They are accustomed to strong currents in their natural habitat, so good water movement within the aquarium is beneficial.
- Lighting: Standard reef aquarium lighting is suitable.
Temperament and Tank Mates:
- Keyhole Angelfish are generally considered semi-aggressive to moderately aggressive, especially towards other dwarf angels and fish with similar body shapes or coloration.
- It is best to keep only one Keyhole Angelfish per tank unless it's a very large system with ample hiding places.
- They can be housed with larger, more robust fish that won't be intimidated by them.
- Reef Safety: They are reef safe with caution. While some individuals may be well-behaved, they have the potential to nip at corals, particularly LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals and clams. Keeping them well-fed with a varied diet, including algae, can help minimize this risk.
- Suitable Tank Mates: Larger gobies, blennies, tangs (with caution, avoid similar body shapes), and some damselfish.
- Avoid: Housing with other dwarf angels is generally not recommended. Avoid overly aggressive tank mates that could stress them.
Diet:
- Keyhole Angelfish are omnivores.
- Their diet in the aquarium should be varied and include:
- Marine algae and spirulina: They graze on algae, so provide a good source, either naturally growing or supplemented.
- High-quality marine pellets and flakes containing algae.
- Frozen foods: Mysis shrimp, brine shrimp (vitamin/Spirulina-enriched), and other meaty items.
- Chopped meaty foods: Krill, squid, and other small pieces of seafood.
- Sponge-based angelfish preparations.
- Feeding small amounts 2-3 times per day is recommended. A varied diet will help them adapt to the aquarium and maintain their health and coloration.
Size and Lifespan:
- They can grow to a maximum size of around 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in the aquarium.
- With proper care, they can live for 5-10 years.
