Orange Back Pygmy Angelfish

The Centropyge acanthops, also known as the Orangeback angelfish, Flameback angelfish, African pygmy angelfish, or in South Africa as the Jumping Bean or Bean, is a captivating species of ray-finned fish found in the western Indian Ocean. Let’s explore some intriguing details about this vibrant fish:

1. Appearance:

   • The Orangeback angelfish exhibits striking coloration:
     • The head, upper flanks, dorsal fin, and caudal fin are golden yellow.
     • The lower flanks and the anal fin are black, adorned with many dense purple spots.
     • Their eyes are ringed with blue.
   • This species attains a maximum total length of approximately 8 centimeters (3.1 inches).

2. Distribution and Habitat:

   • Found along the East African coast from Somalia south to East London in the Eastern Cape Province, as well as in Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, the Chagos Islands, and the Mascarene Islands.
   • Recorded in Asia from the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea off Yemen, including Socotra, Oman, and the Maldives.
   • Also documented in the Australian territory of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

3. Habitat and Biology:

   • Found at depths between 1 and 70 meters (3.3 and 229.7 feet), often near coral and frequently in areas of coral rubble where they hide.
   • Prefers areas with dense algal growth and grazes on algae and small invertebrates.
   • Social species, typically encountered in groups of up to 10 fishes.
   • Protogynous hermaphrodites: The most dominant female in a group becomes male, and this can be reversed if dominance is lost.
   • Spawns at dusk: The male stimulates the female to lay eggs, which he fertilizes, and the eggs then drift on the current.

The Orangeback angelfish is both common and popular in the aquarium trade.