Pygmy Cherub Angelfish

Additional names

Pygmy Cherub Angelfish, Cherubfish, Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish, Cherub Angelfish

Origin

Caribbean, coral and rock rubble area with lots of caves and crannies.

Tank compatibility

Not reef safe, will nip at large stony corals as well as clam mantles. It is also quite aggressive and should not be housed with other Angelfish, males will fight to the death. Bonded pairs can work however.

Diet

Will readily accept most frozen and prepared foods. It is best to feed frozen mysis shrimp and spirulina algae if the Cherub Angelfish is not kept in a well established aquarium.

Omnivore. Spirulina, marine algae, dried algae (nori), filamentous algae in tank, flake and frozen foods for herbivores, and eventually most any food including those for carnivores. Allow for some algae growth on live rock for the fish to pick at because it can make up a large part of its diet. Will also feed off of tank detritus.

Environment Specifics

No smaller than 75.7 Litres (20 US G.) with over 113.6 Litres (30 US G.) preferred with numerous hiding places among the live rock

Behaviour

Peaceful, except with other Dwarf Angels Cherub angels are semi aggressive and do not get along with other dwarf angels. Smallest territory in the wild would be close to the size of a 208.2 Litres (55 US G.) tank. They can sometimes be shy when first introduced to a new tank. Some species can spend ¼ to ½ of their time hidden in the rocks. They will quickly dart in among the rocks if disturbed. Should be the last fish introduced into the tank.

Identification

This fish has a blue/sapphire blue body with yellow/orange face.