Description

About the Bicolour Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)

The Bicolour Angelfish is a striking dwarf angelfish featuring a distinctive two-tone color pattern with a bright yellow front half and deep blue to purple rear half, separated by a bold white vertical band. This dramatic coloration makes them one of the most visually distinctive dwarf angels. Their bold personality and stunning appearance make them popular additions to reef aquariums, though they require careful consideration regarding reef compatibility and tankmate selection.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 190 litres (50 gallons), preferably larger
• Diet: Omnivorous - requires varied diet including marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and angelfish preparations. Benefits from nori sheets and algae-based foods
• Water Parameters: Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.023-1.025
• Feeding Frequency: 2-3 times daily with varied foods
• Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced - can be territorial and may nip corals

Tank Compatibility

Semi-aggressive and reef-safe with significant caution. Compatible with most peaceful to semi-aggressive fish but can be territorial, especially toward other angelfish or similar-shaped fish. Best kept as single dwarf angelfish in the tank. Higher risk of coral nipping than other dwarf angels - may nip at LPS corals, zoanthids, clam mantles, and occasionally SPS. Individual behavior varies significantly - some are completely reef-safe while others are problematic. Best for FOWLR or reef tanks where occasional nipping is acceptable. Safe with most invertebrates except sessile ones.

Fun Facts

• One of the most distinctively colored dwarf angelfish with perfect two-tone pattern
• Can be more assertive and territorial than other Centropyge species
• Color pattern is consistent across individuals, unlike some other dwarf angels
• Can live 10-15 years in captivity
• Native to the Indo-Pacific, particularly around coral-rich areas
• Juveniles display the same coloration as adults

Special Care Tips

• Reef Caution: Higher risk of coral nipping - monitor closely if keeping in reef tank
• Feeding Variety: Offer varied diet with emphasis on algae-based foods to reduce coral nipping tendency
• Acclimation: Use slow drip acclimation (45-60 minutes)
• Hiding Spots: Provide plenty of rockwork with caves - they can be shy initially
• Territory: Can be territorial - provide adequate space and introduce carefully
• One Per Tank: Keep only one dwarf angelfish per tank - will fight with other Centropyge
• Coral Monitoring: If keeping in reef, watch for nipping behavior and be prepared to remove if problematic
• Personality: More assertive than Coral Beauty or Flame Angels - consider tankmate temperaments

Please be aware that variations exist within species, so your item may not precisely resemble the provided image. The size range of individual specimens is approximate and may vary. Any extraordinary fish size will be explicitly specified.