At a glance the quick version
Wikipedia gives 5 to 7 or more years
Looks how to spot one
Small, oval dwarf angelfish
A compact, deep-bodied little angelfish in glowing orange-red. Several short black bars run down the flanks, and the rear of the dorsal and anal fins is striped in black and purple-blue. Fish from the Marquesas lack the dark bars.23
Personality what they are like
Semi-aggressive and a little shy at first, staying close to cover. Most settle in and grow bolder within about a week.321
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Spends its day moving between rocks and caves, picking at algae on the rockwork.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. Add it as the last fish in a peaceful community. It may nibble at stony and soft corals and clam mantles, so reef keepers should watch it.3
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 70 US gallons (about 265 L) with lots of rockwork. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. In the wild it lives on clear lagoon and seaward reefs down to about 60 m.31
Food basics what goes in the bowl
An omnivore. Offer a varied menu of spirulina and marine algae, a good angelfish food, and meaty items such as frozen mysis shrimp. Wild fish graze mainly on algae.312
Company who they like around
Lives in small harems of three to seven fish with one male. In a large aquarium a pair or trio can work as long as there is only one male.12
The story where it all began
Albert Günther described the species in 1874 under the name Holacanthus loriculus, and it was later moved to the dwarf angelfish genus Centropyge. It became one of the most sought-after small angelfish in the marine hobby, and it has since been bred in captivity.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Flame angelfish spawn at dusk, rising into the water column to release eggs and sperm together.2
- 2
Fish from the Marquesas Islands are solid orange-red without the usual black bars.2
- 3
Commercial breeders such as Atoll Farm Aquaculture in Thailand have raised the species in captivity.2
- 4
Males are usually a little larger and brighter than females.2
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Flame Angelfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Salinity checkevery week
- Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
- Water testevery week
- Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
- Glass cleanevery week
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Flame Angelfish?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This mimics their natural grazing habit and keeps the water clean.31 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Flame Angelfish eat, and what should it never eat?
They are omnivores and enjoy spirulina, marine algae, angelfish food, and frozen mysis shrimp. Avoid feeding them anything that isn't a balanced fish food, and never give them human food or items not meant for saltwater fish.312
How much space does a Flame Angelfish need?
A tank of at least 70 US gallons (about 265 L) with plenty of rockwork is needed. This gives them room to graze and hide, which they love.31
What temperature, light or water does a Flame Angelfish need?
Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. They need clear, stable water with moderate lighting, and Furry Diary suggests checking temperature daily and salinity weekly.31 Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Flame Angelfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan recommends a weekly glass cleaning and a 10-20% water change every two weeks. Also test the water weekly and top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Flame Angelfish live with others?
Yes, they can live in peaceful community tanks, but add them last. They are semi-aggressive and may nip at corals and clams, so watch them in reef tanks. A pair or trio with one male can work in a large aquarium.312
How long does a Flame Angelfish live?
With good care, they typically live 5 to 7 years. A stable environment and proper diet help them reach their full lifespan.2
Can I handle a Flame Angelfish?
No, handling is stressful and harmful to their delicate slime coat. Always use a container or net if you need to move them, and avoid touching them directly.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- FishBase: Centropyge loricula, Flame angel fishbase.seused for length, distribution, depth, habitat, harem size, diet, IUCN status, describer
- Wikipedia: Flame angelfish en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colour description, distribution, spawning, lifespan, captive breeding, history
- LiveAquaria: Flame Angelfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.