Flameback Angel; Brazil - Centropyge aurantonotus

Flameback Angel - Bright, Bold Beauty that Lights up Every Reef

The Flameback Angel, also known as the African Pygmy Angelfish or Orangeback Angelfish, brings serious personality and color to your saltwater setup. With its electric blue body and that unmistakable fiery orange stripe streaking from the head to the dorsal fin, this fish doesn't just join your tank — it takes the spotlight.

Unlike its South American cousin, the Brazilian Flameback (aka the Fireball Angelfish), this species features slightly larger color blocks and more transparent caudal fins. If you’re going for visual impact in a reef tank, this guy is a no-brainer.

Habitat Needs for the Flameback Angel

You’ll want to house this angelfish in a minimum 55-gallon tank, though larger is always better if you’re planning to mix fish. Here’s why it thrives in a well-set-up system:

• Loves live rock for grazing and shelter

• Bold but may get feisty with smaller tankmates

• Needs plenty of hiding spots to reduce stress

• Occasionally nips at SPS corals and zoas, so reefers beware

Tank compatibility leans semi-aggressive. It’s often fine with peaceful fish, but pair wisely to avoid drama in your aquascape.

What to Feed Your Flameback Angel

These fish aren’t picky, but they do need a varied, high-quality diet to maintain their vivid coloration and stay healthy.

• Spirulina flakes and marine algae sheets

• Mysis shrimp and chopped frozen seafood

• Specialized angelfish diets with sponge content

• Occasional enrichment with seaweed clips

Feed small portions twice a day for best results — they’ll cruise around picking at rocks in between meals too.

Flameback Angel Size Guide

When ordering, you can expect one of the following:

• Small: 0.5" – 1"

• Medium: 1" – 2"

• Large: 2" – 3"

This species stays compact, which makes it great for smaller reef systems or for adding a splash of movement to a larger one.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Flameback Angel

How aggressive is the Flameback Angel?

Mild to moderate. It might chase smaller fish or show dominance, especially in smaller tanks with limited hiding space.

Is the Flameback Angel reef-safe?

It’s reef-cautious, not reef-safe. It may pick at coral polyps like zoanthids or SPS — individual behavior can vary.

How can I tell it apart from the Brazilian Flameback?

The African Flameback has more extensive orange markings and lighter, more transparent tail fins. It’s also often a little less bold.

What temperature should I keep it at?

Keep the tank water between 72°F and 78°F with stable salinity and low nitrate levels.

Can I keep more than one Flameback Angel in a tank?

Not recommended unless the tank is very large (100+ gallons) and stocked simultaneously. They can get territorial with each other.

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