Keyhole Angelfish, also known as the Black Angelfish, Whitespot Angelfish, or Puller Angelfish, is a type of fish that lives in the ocean.
Its scientific name is Centropyge tibicen. It belongs to a family of marine angelfish called Pomacanthidae.
This fish can be found in the Indo-Pacific region, which includes parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
It usually lives in areas with a mix of coral and rubble, both in lagoons and near the edges of reefs.
Keyhole angelfish is the largest member of its genus (a group of related species). Its main food source is algae.
This fish is often found in small groups called harems, which have 3 to 7 individuals.
Keyhole angelfish are often sold in the aquarium trade, but they are not safe to keep in a reef tank.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Keyhole Angelfish Interesting Facts
- Keyhole angelfish is a marine angelfish found in the Indo-Pacific region.
- They are relatively uncommon and can be found in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and seaward reefs.
- They are the largest member of their genus.
- They feed mainly on algae and form harems of 3 to 7 individuals.
- Although frequently exported through the aquarium trade, they are not reef-safe.
Keyhole Angelfish Habitat
Keyhole angelfish is a marine fish inhabiting the ocean. It’s specifically found in areas with coral reefs.
This fish is found in the Western Pacific region, which includes places like Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean, Fiji, southern Japan, Scott Reef (in the eastern Indian Ocean), and Lord Howe Island.
Although it’s not commonly found around oceanic islands, keyhole angelfish lives in waters with depths ranging from 4 to 55 meters (13 to 180 feet).
This fish prefers tropical waters and can be found in areas between 32°North and 32°South latitude.
Keyhole angelfish doesn’t migrate and stays within its preferred reef-associated habitats.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Keyhole Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 7.5 inches (19.0 centimeters)
Keyhole angelfish has an overall black color and has an elongated vertical black blotch on the middle of the upper sides.
They can grow up to 19 cm long and live for about six years.
They have 14 dorsal spines, 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and around 16 to 17 anal soft rays.
Keyhole angelfish’s coloration is primarily black, with a white bar that transforms into a central blotch as they mature.
Their fins also have some blue submarginal lines, and most of the pelvic and anterior portion of the anal fin is yellow in color.
Their body depth is usually 1.8 to 2 times its length. They typically have between 45 to 48 scales along each side of their longitudinal series.
Keyhole Angelfish Reproduction
Keyhole angelfish can change its gender. This process takes about 29 to 35 days to complete.
Keyhole Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Centropyge |
| Scientific Name: | Centropyge tibicen |
| Also Known As: | Keyhole Angelfish, Black Angelfish, Whitespot Angelfish, Puller Angelfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |