The smaller Angelfish species work well in larger reef tanks, however the larger species, such as the Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) will eat corals and shrimp and should be avoided. Even the smaller (Dwarf) Angels will occasionally pick at corals in a small tank unless they are well fed. The beautiful Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish is one of the few truly reef tank safe Angelfish which does not bother corals or other invertebrates.
1. Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosus)
by Keoki and Yuko Stender
The Coral Beauty is a favorite Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species for aquariums due to its brilliant colors, hardiness, low price and ready availability. This fish is normally not as aggressive as many other Angelfishes, but some individual specimens may be territorial in smaller aquariums, particularly if they have been in the tank for a while.
2. Fisher's Angelfish (Centropyge fisheri)
Keoki Stender
One of the smallest Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species, the Fisher's Angel is normally not as aggressive as many other Angelfishes, but some individual specimens may be territorial in smaller aquariums, particularly towards more docile fish.
3. Japanese Swallowtail Angelfish (Genicanthus melanospilos)
© Debbie and Stan Hauter
A very active Angelfish that is constantly on the move, and therefore requires plenty of room to swim around. Often a difficult shipper, but if a healthy specimen is obtained, it settles into aquarium life rather quickly. Males will fight with same as well as other Genicanthus genus males, especially ones similar in coloration. Can be kept singly, as a pair, or a small group of females can be housed with one male in larger aquariums. Not an overly aggressive, but may chase after small, peaceful planktivores. Typically gets along with other fish species, which includes most all other Angels.
4. Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissimus)
Photo by Keoki Stender
It is possible to keep a male-female pair or even a trio (one male-two females) of Lemonpeel Angelfishes in the same tank together, provided that it is a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places, and they are introduced into the aquarium at the same time. This species is well known for picking at ...
5. Multicolor Angelfish (Centropyge multicolor)
Photo by Dan Amelung
This beautiful Angelfish is considered to be semi-aggressive, particularly in a smaller tank where its territory is challenged. Considered reef tank safe with caution, it may nip at clam mantles and stony and soft corals. A larger tank may help mitigate damage.
6. Orangelined or Eibl's Angelfish (Centropyge eibli)
C. Martin
One of the larger Genus Centropyge Dwarf or Pygmy Angelfish species, the Eibl's Angelfish adapts well to a peaceful aquarium environment with plenty of hiding places, but individuals may act aggressively towards smaller fish, particularly when confined in a small aquarium.
7. Potter's Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)
Image by Keoki and Yuko Stender
One of the more docile of Angelfish species, it does have a tendency to be aggressive towards other fish that have been introduced into the aquarium once it has become established. Although touted by aquarists to be a fairly good reef safe fish, it may nip at large polyped stony corals, Zoanthids, Tridacnid Clam mantles, and even some soft coral polyps. Therefore ...
