Flame angelfish

Centropyge loricula in the aquarium

The flame angelfish or flame - Duke fish ( Centropyge loricula ) is a species of the family of angelfish ( Pomacanthidae ). In previous publications prior to 1998, there is often loriculus the species name Centropyge. Since the genus name is feminine, and the species name must have a feminine ending, here -a.

Dissemination

It is widely distributed in the Pacific. It is found, inter alia Queensland, Samoa, the Society Islands, in Hawaii and Palau, isolated in Indonesia. He lives in lagoons and on outer reefs at depths of 3 to 60 meters. Most commonly it is found in about 10 meters depth.

Appearance and social behavior

C. loricula is 10 to 12 inches tall. Male and female animals are difficult to distinguish from each other. In direct comparison, more blue is found in the male at the end of the dorsal and anal fin. Also, the body appears darker overall than that of the female. In young animals found at the end of the dorsal fin, an eye patch. Due to its small size of the flame angelfish lives very hidden. It is found singly, in pairs or in small harems with one male and several females. This depends on the nature of the biotope.

Nutrition

Flame dwarf angelfish feed on algae, small crustaceans and small sessile invertebrates.

Reproduction

Flame dwarf angelfish rise to propagation in pairs and give off eggs and sperm. The eggs are about 0.5 mm in size. The fertilized eggs are buoyant and float in the sea. From these hatch after 18 to 30 hours larvae. This pelagic larvae live a few weeks, then they colonize young fish the reef. In Hawaii it comes to crosses between C. loricula and C. potteri.

Aquarium maintenance

The flame angelfish in the aquarium hobby due to its striking coloration a very popular and easy to maintain this fish. He accepts frozen and dry food as a substitute food. Occasionally it may happen that flame dwarf angelfish pluck corals and harming them, this is different from animal to animal. In sufficiently large aquariums are offering a pair attitude of C. loricula. Also Spawning has been observed in the aquarium. In Hawaii, the fish have now been bred. As Aufzuchtfutter living marine plankton was used.