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    Dwarf angelfish

    Cherub angelfish

    Centropyge argi

    Also sold as Pygmy angelfish, Cherubfish

    Cherub angelfish (Centropyge argi), photographed in the sea or an aquarium
    Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
    Care level
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    7.6 cm in aquariums
    Minimum tank
    189 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    With corals
    Reef safe with caution
    Captive-bred
    Occasionally captive-bred
    IUCN status
    Least Concern
    Show volumes in

    How do you care for the cherub angelfish?

    Semi-aggressive; males fight to the death.

    Feeding

    Omnivore.

    Grazes microalgae.

    Tank and special needs

    Plan for at least 189 litres of water (the care sheet says 50 US gallons).

    Live rock.

    Corals and invertebrates

    LPS and clam mantles.

    Which tankmates suit the cherub angelfish?

    One male per tank; a pair possible.

    Suggested order in a mixed tank: add last, after the peaceful fish have settled.

    More than one cherub angelfish

    Keep one cherub angelfish: two of the same species usually fight.

    Other fish

    Checked against the other 59 fish in this guide, assuming a tank big enough for both. Individual fish differ, so treat this as a starting point.

    Avoid together (2)

    • Coral beautyBoth are Centropyge; close relatives defend the same space and food.
    • Flame angelfishBoth are Centropyge; close relatives defend the same space and food.
    Usually fine together (57)

    Invertebrates

    Only the invertebrates with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (2)

    • Tiger tail sea cucumberA stressed or dead tiger tail sea cucumber can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.
    • Sea appleA stressed or dead sea apple can release toxins that harm fish; cover pump intakes.

    Corals and anemones

    Only the corals and anemones with a known risk are listed.

    Take care (18)

    • Hammer coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Frogspawn coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Torch coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Duncan coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • AcanCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • FaviaCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • FavitesCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Chalice coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • BlastomussaCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Candy cane coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Bubble coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • GonioporaCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • AlveoporaCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Open brain coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • LoboCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • GalaxeaCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Scroll coralCherub angelfish may nip LPS corals, more so when underfed.
    • Carpet anemones (Haddon's, giant)The carpet anemones (Haddon's, giant) can catch and eat small fish such as the cherub angelfish.

    These checks follow the reasons fish and invertebrates clash: same species or genus, similar shape, mouth size, temperament, food, burrows, tank size and the order they are added. Individual animals differ; every source agrees on that.

    Quarantine and health

    Copper sensitive (as Centropyge).

    New fish are the most common way disease gets into a reef tank. Quarantine every fish in a separate tank before it joins the display, and choose a method that suits its tolerance of copper.

    Captive-bred or wild?

    Captive-bred occasionally.

    Where sources disagree

    Where sources disagree
    TopicWhat sources sayOur reading
    Minimum tank
    • 50 US gallons in the retailer quick stats.
    • 55 US gallons in the overview of the same page.
    		Both mean about 190 to 210 litres.

    Other minimum tank sizes we found:

    • Same page overview: 55 gal.

    Sources

    1. LiveAquaria (US retailer) care sheetRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: stats.
    2. FishBase species summaryRead 21 October 2026, read in full. Used for: max length.

    Last checked . How we check

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    Coral beauty

    Centropyge bispinosa

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    12 cm
    Tank from
    265 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Jenny Huang, CC BY 2.0

    Flame angelfish

    Centropyge loricula

    Care
    Intermediate
    Adult size
    10 cm
    Tank from
    265 litres
    Temperament
    Semi-aggressive
    Corals
    Reef safe with caution

    Photo Andreas März, CC BY 2.0