The Lemonpeel angelfish (Centropyge flavissima), also known as the yellow angelfish, is a captivating marine species found in the Indo-Pacific region. Let me share some interesting details about this vibrant fish:
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Appearance: The lemonpeel angelfish boasts a bright yellow coloration, with a bluish or whitish ring encircling its eye. A distinctive black blotch marks the rear margin of its gill cover. Additionally, the spine on its preoperculum is blue, and its dorsal, anal, and caudal fins exhibit blue margins. Juveniles sport an ocellus on their flanks, which is black with blue edges.
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Size: These delightful creatures reach a maximum total length of approximately 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).
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Distribution: Their habitat spans the Indo-Pacific, from the Ryukyu Islands and Ogasawara Islands of Southern Japan in the north, east to the Tuamotu Islands, and south to Australia. They can also be found around certain Indian Ocean islands. In Australia, they occur from the northern Great Barrier Reef south to Moreton Bay in Queensland and the Solitary Islands in New South Wales. Additionally, they inhabit Lord Howe Island in the Tasman Sea and the Australian Indian Ocean territories of Christmas Island and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. However, they are absent from Hawaii and Johnston Atoll.
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Habitat and Behavior: Lemonpeel angelfish prefer shallow waters, typically at depths shallower than 20 meters (66 feet), in areas rich with coral growth in lagoons and seaward reefs. They often form small groups, consisting of a single male and several females. Interestingly, they are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning that if there is no male in the group, the dominant female may transform into a male, and this change can be reversed. Their diet primarily consists of filamentous algae.
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Aquarium Trade: These charming angelfish are common in the aquarium trade, where their striking appearance and lively behavior make them popular choices for enthusiasts.
Next time you encounter a lemonpeel angelfish, appreciate its vibrant hues and the fascinating world it inhabits beneath the waves!
