Colin's Angelfish

Colin's Angelfish

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Paracentropyge colini

Overview
Reef Compatible: YES
Diet: Carivore
Temperament: Docile
Origin: Central Pacific/Eastern Asia

Paracentropyge colini, commonly known as Colin’s Angelfish, is a captivating dwarf angelfish adorned with bright yellow and blue colorations. Its striking appearance and limited range make it a sought-after addition to marine aquariums. Here are some intriguing details about this delightful fish:

1. Natural Habitat and Behavior:

   • Distribution: Colin’s angelfish is found in the Indian Ocean, Papua New Guinea, Palau, Guam, and Fiji in the Western Pacific.
   • Size: It reaches a maximum length of 3.5 inches.
   • Habitat: This secretive fish inhabits deep fore reef habitats, such as steep slopes or drop-offs, at depths ranging from 55 to 250 feet. It prefers caves, large cracks in the reef, and swimming upside down under overhangs near orange cup corals (Tubastraea spp.) and black corals (Antipathes spp.).
   • Social Behavior: Colin’s angelfish occurs singly or in groups, sometimes sharing large caves with up to five individuals. Like most pygmy angels, it likely exhibits a harem structure.
   • Diet: While its specific food habits remain somewhat mysterious, it may feed on microalgae and possibly sponges.

2. Husbandry:

   • Acclimation: Successfully acclimating this fish to captivity is crucial. Provide plenty of hiding places and nonaggressive tankmates.
   • Reef Compatibility: Colin’s angelfish is suitable for a reef tank, as it prefers darker marine environments and will graze on macro-algae as its main diet.

In your aquarium, Colin’s Angelfish will rock out with its blue dorsal fin reminiscent of a mohawk hairstyle!