Description
- Scientific Name: Centropyge nox
- Common Names: Midnight Angelfish, Black Nox Angelfish
- Maximum Length: 4 inches (10 cm)
- Minimum Aquarium Size: 55 gallons (208 liters) for a single fish; 75 gallons (284 liters) or larger if keeping multiples. Their territorial nature requires space and hiding spots.
- Foods and Feeding Habits: Omnivorous, feeding on algae, sponges, and small invertebrates 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. An algae-grown tank supports their natural grazing.
- Reef Safety: Reef-safe with caution; they may nip at corals or sessile invertebrates if underfed. Ensure a varied diet to reduce risks in reef setups.
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive, especially territorial toward their own kind or other dwarf angelfish. Best kept singly or in pairs if introduced together. Pair with peaceful tankmates like gobies or wrasses to avoid conflicts.
- Description: The Midnight Angelfish is a sleek addition to marine tanks, prized for its deep coloration. Its body is a uniform black with subtle blue highlights on the fins and face, creating a mysterious look. Native to the western Pacific Ocean, including areas around Indonesia and the Philippines, they thrive in tanks with plenty of live rock for cover and algae for grazing. Their shy yet curious nature makes them a rewarding choice for aquarists who provide a mature, stable environment.
Fun Facts:
- Midnight Angelfish can change sex, with the dominant female turning male if the group’s male is lost, ensuring the harem’s survival.
- Their dark coloration helps them blend into shadowy reef crevices, making them stealthy hunters of tiny invertebrates.
- Unlike many angelfish, they rarely school, preferring to patrol their territory solo or in small, tight-knit groups.
