Description

• Scientific Name: Centropyge bicolor
• Common Names: Bicolor Angelfish, Oriole Angelfish, Two-colored Angelfish
• Maximum Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 70 gallons (265 liters) for a single fish; 100 gallons (378 liters) or larger for a pair or small group to support their territorial behavior and swimming needs.
• Foods and Feeding Habits: Omnivorous, feeding on algae, small crustaceans, and worms in the wild. In aquariums, offer algae-based flakes or pellets with spirulina, supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp or brine shrimp. Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily. Algae-covered live rock encourages natural grazing.
• Reef Safety: Not reef-safe; they may nip at stony corals, soft corals, and clam mantles, making them better suited for fish-only tanks.
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, particularly toward other angelfish or similar species. Best kept singly or in pairs, introduced simultaneously. Pair with peaceful, dissimilar tankmates like gobies or wrasses to minimize conflicts.
• Description: The Bicolor Angelfish is a vibrant addition to marine tanks, known for its bold coloration. Its body is sharply divided, with the front half bright yellow and the back half deep blue, accented by a blue patch above the eye and a yellow tail. Native to the Indo-Pacific, from East Africa to the Samoan Islands, they inhabit lagoons and reef slopes at depths of 1-25 meters. Their curious nature and need for hiding spots make them a favorite for aquarists with experience managing their dietary and territorial demands.

Fun Facts:

• Bicolor Angelfish can produce a low-frequency “popping” sound during territorial disputes, audible underwater as a warning to rivals.
• In the wild, they sometimes follow larger fish like groupers, scavenging food scraps left behind in a sneaky commensal feeding strategy.
• In the wild, they often dart into crevices at the slightest disturbance, using their compressed bodies to squeeze into tight hiding spots.