Pearlscale Angelfish, scientifically named Centropyge vroliki, is also known as the Half Black Angelfish.
This marine fish has ray-like fins and belongs to the Pomacanthidae family of angelfish. It can be found in the Indo-Pacific region.
Pearlscale angelfish lives in lagoons and seaward reefs, mainly in coral-rich areas. It feeds on algae and reproduces by laying eggs.
This fish is monogamous, meaning it has only one mate.
Pearlscale angelfish is frequently exported for the aquarium trade and forms hybrids with Centropyge eibli and Centropyge flavissima in areas where their habitats overlap.
Young ones of the Acanthurus pyroferus fish mimic the pearlscale angelfish.
When keeping this fish in a reef tank, approach with caution because it may pose a risk to the coral reefs in an aquarium environment.
Pearlscale Angelfish Interesting Facts
- Pearlscale angelfish, also known as the half black angelfish or Centropyge vrolikii, is a marine ray-finned fish that belongs to the family Pomacanthidae.
- They are commonly found in lagoons and seaward reefs throughout coral-rich areas of the Indo-Pacific.
- Pearlscale angelfish feed mostly on algae and reproduce by laying eggs (oviparous) with one partner (monogamous).
- These beautiful fishes are often exported for the aquarium trade.
- While they can be considered safe for reefs, you should keep them with caution in a reef tank.
Pearlscale Angelfish Habitat
Pearlscale angelfish is found in the western Pacific region. Its habitat ranges from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean and Bali to the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu, north to southern Japan, and south to Lord Howe Island.
Recently, it has also been recorded in Tonga. This marine fish lives in reef environments and doesn’t migrate.
It can be found at depths between 1 and 25 meters (about 3 to 82 feet) and thrives in tropical climates.
Pearlscale angelfish is typically found in areas with latitudes between 32°North and 32°South and longitudes between 92°East and 173°West.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Pearlscale Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.7 inches (12.0 centimeters)
Pearlscale angelfish can grow up to 12 cm (about 4.7 inches) in length. It has 14 dorsal spines, 15 to 16 dorsal soft rays, 3 anal spines, and 16 to 17 anal soft rays.
This fish is pale tan or light brown in color, becoming blackish on the posterior third of its body and adjacent fins.
The scales on the light portion have white centers, while the edge of the gill opening and the base of the pectoral fins are orange.
The rear portion of the dorsal and anal fins, as well as the caudal fin, have a narrow submarginal blue line.
Young ones of this fish look similar to adults.
The body depth of pearlscale angelfish is 1.7 to 1.8 times smaller than its length, and it has 46 to 48 scales in longitudinal series.
Pearlscale Angelfish Reproduction
Pearlscale angelfish forms distinct pairs during mating. These fish are known to be monogamous, meaning they have only one mate.
This type of mating behavior can be observed in both a facultative and social manner.
Pearlscale Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Centropyge |
| Scientific Name: | Centropyge vroliki |
| Also Known As: | Pearlscale Angelfish, Half Black Angelfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |