Pygmy Angelfish, scientifically named Centropyge argi, is also known as Cherubfish.
This marine fish has ray-like fins and belongs to the Pomacanthidae family of angelfish.
It can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean. Pygmy angelfish typically live in rubble areas and feed on various types of algae.
They are oviparous, meaning they reproduce by laying eggs, and are monogamous, having only one mate.
When frightened, pygmy angelfish retreat into holes for safety.
They have been successfully reared in captivity, but it’s important to keep them with caution in a reef tank.
Pygmy Angelfish Interesting Facts
- Pygmy angelfish are also known as Cherubfish and belong to the family Pomacanthidae.
- They live in the western Atlantic Ocean and prefer rubble areas for habitat.
- Their diet consists of various types of algae, and they lay eggs that hatch outside their body (oviparous).
- When scared or threatened, cherubfish retreat into holes. They can be kept in aquariums with caution since they may harm small crustaceans.
Pygmy Angelfish Habitat
Pygmy angelfish is found in the western Atlantic region.
Its habitat ranges from Bermuda and Florida in the United States to French Guiana, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.
This marine fish lives in reef environments and doesn’t migrate.
It can be found at depths between 5 and 80 meters (about 16 to 262 feet), but it’s usually found between 5 and 30 meters (16 to 98 feet).
Pygmy angelfish thrives in subtropical climates and is typically found in areas with latitudes between 35°North and 10°North.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Pygmy Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Pygmy angelfish can grow up to 8 cm (about 3.1 inches) in length. It has 14 to 15 dorsal spines, 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 17 anal soft rays.
The color of this fish is deep blue, with the head and chest being orange-yellow.
It has a narrow blue ring around its eye and a small dark blue smudge just behind the corner of its mouth.
The pectoral fins are pale yellowish, while the other fins are deep blue with pale blue margins.
Pygmy Angelfish Reproduction
Pygmy angelfish reproduce by laying eggs, and they form distinct pairs when mating.
Monogamous mating, where a fish has only one mate, is observed in this species both as a choice (facultative) and as a social behavior.
Pygmy Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Centropyge |
| Scientific Name: | Centropyge argi |
| Also Known As: | Pygmy Angelfish, Cherubfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |