Flame Angelfish

Centropyge loriculus

Habitat & Distribution :  Coral reefs, Western Indo-Pacific Ocean

Diet : Algae and Crustacea

Size: Up to 15cm

Lifespan: 10 Years

Description

The Flame Angelfish is bright orange-red with a vertically elongated black spot and four or five stripes on its side; the posterior sections of the dorsal and anal fins feature alternating short purple-blue and black bands. Males are generally larger and slightly more colorful than females.

Behavior

The flame angelfish lives in pairs or groups and is naturally found in waters ranging from mid-depth to near the seabed. This species is omnivorous, with a tendency to feed on algae. Although the flame angelfish is not territorial, it sometimes displays aggressive behavior toward other species.

Reproduction

The Flame angelfish is an oviparous fish that spawns in open water. In this species, dominant males are polygamous and reproduce with multiple females each season. These fish are born as females; as they grow, individuals change sex to become males—a phenomenon known as protogynous sequential hermaphroditism.

Communicaton & perception

The vibrant red-orange coloration and vertical black stripes of the Flame Angelfish are not merely decorative; these features serve as markers of identity and social status. When threatened or asserting dominance, the fish can manipulate their pigment cells (melanophores) to intensify or darken their body color.

Predator

Sharks, adult trevally, barracuda