Pearlscale Angelfish

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment8–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Pearlscale or Half Black Angelfish (Centropyge vrolikii) ranges across the Indo-Pacific and grows to about 10 to 12 cm. Its front half is a pale pearly grey with fine scale edging, shading abruptly into black across the rear body and fins, with orange and blue trim around the eye and fin margins. It hybridises with the closely related eibli angelfish where their ranges overlap. House it in a 200 litre or larger tank with mature live rock, at 24-27C, salinity 1.024-1.026, pH 8.1-8.4. It is a grazer and needs algae-rich food: spirulina preparations, dried algae, sponge-based angel formulas, plus mysis and enriched brine, two or three times daily. It is among the hardiest and most readily feeding dwarf angels, which makes it a fair first Centropyge. Keep only one dwarf angel per tank unless the system is very large, and accept the usual honest risk that it may nip at LPS corals and clam mantles.

• How active is a Pearlscale Angelfish?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Pearlscale Angelfish need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Pearlscale Angelfish need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Pearlscale Angelfish a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Pearlscale Angelfish live?

  8–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Pearlscale Angelfish?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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