Diet:
Angelfish members of the Pomacanthidae family are omnivores that feed on both marine plants and animals, but a large number of species lean towards being more herbivorous.These fish are constant nibblers and grazers. While many prefer to eat macro and filamentous type algae, some others prefer micro algae, or diatoms. Most all feed on small crustaceous marine life, but there are some species that are soley live sponge feeders.Those that live on sponges as their sole source of food may starve in captivity. If you are interested in keeping one of these species, it wise to wait for a larger juvenile or sub-adult specimen. In most cases these specimens will adapt to tank fed foods more readily then very small juveniles or large adults. They can be raised on the many frozen fares that are now available on the market that include edible sponge in them to supplement their diets along with other suitable Angelfish fares.
Suitable Aquarium Foods:
Angelfishes should be introduced into a well established aquarium with an ample supply of algae and other live rock growth present to feed on, because for most all species this is their primarly food source in nature.By providing this type of habitat it stimulates their feeding instincts, which in turn helps them adjust to accepting tank fed foods such as Spirulina, nori and other dried or frozen preparations for herbivores, vitamin-enriched and color enhanced "marine" flakes, live brine or mysid shrimps, finely chopped dried or frozen crustacean or other high quality meaty fares suitable for carnivores.Foods that are not already vitamin-enriched can be soaked in a liquid vitamin supplement such as Selcon.
Suggested Feedings:
2 or 3 times a day.Reef Tank Compatibility:
A majority of species have a tendency to nip at large-polyped stony corals, zoanthids, and tridacnid clam mantles, and some may also pick at soft coral polyps or other sessile invertebrates. Therefore, Angelfishes cannot be completely trusted in reef tanks, particularly when these types of invertebrates are present.Most Centropyge genus Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfishes, such as the Flame (C. loriculus) and Potter's (C. potteri) for example, are touted by aquarists as being fairly good reef safe species. Irregardless, their is no guarantee they can be fully trusted.For more information on the selection of Angelfishes as being good starters or ones to avoid, refer to our Before You Buy Angelfish Rating Charts, as well as read individual Angelfish Species Profiles.More Guide Angelfish Family Content
