Angel Flame (Centropyge Loricula)

The Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) is one of the most striking dwarf angelfish available for marine aquariums. Its fiery red-orange body, bold vertical black bars and shimmering blue-purple fin markings make it a spectacular centrepiece fish.

Active and full of personality, the Flame Angel spends much of its day swimming through rockwork and grazing on algae. With a suitable aquarium, a varied diet and stable water conditions, this colourful saltwater fish can become a rewarding long-term addition to a marine display.

Flame Angelfish Care Information

• Common names: Flame Angelfish, Flame Angel
• Scientific name: Centropyge loricula
• Origin: Tropical Pacific Ocean
• Maximum size: Approximately 10 cm
• Lifespan: Approximately 10–15 years with appropriate care
• Care level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive and territorial with similar species
• Diet: Omnivore
• Reef compatibility: Reef safe with caution

Recommended Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–27°C
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Specific gravity: 1.020–1.025
• Minimum aquarium size: 115 litres, although a larger aquarium is strongly recommended

Stable water quality is essential. Introduce the fish only to a mature, properly cycled marine aquarium with reliable filtration and consistent salinity.

Diet and Feeding

Flame Angelfish are omnivores and should be offered a varied marine diet. Suitable foods include:

• Spirulina and marine algae-based foods
• Mysis shrimp
• High-quality marine pellets
• Frozen herbivore and omnivore preparations
• Natural algae growing on established live rock

Offer small meals more than once per day where practical. A varied and nutritious diet can help maintain strong colour, healthy body condition and natural grazing behaviour.

Behaviour and Tank Compatibility

Flame Angelfish are highly active fish that enjoy weaving through live rock, exploring caves and grazing throughout the aquarium. They are generally compatible with many unrelated marine fish, but they may become territorial toward other dwarf angelfish or fish introduced after they have established their territory.

If keeping multiple angelfish, careful species selection, a spacious aquarium and plenty of rockwork are important. Introducing potentially territorial fish at the same time may also help reduce aggression.

Is the Flame Angelfish Reef Safe?

The Flame Angelfish is generally considered reef safe with caution. Many individuals live successfully in reef aquariums, but some may nip at large-polyp stony corals, zoanthids, soft corals or clam mantles.

Individual behaviour varies and cannot be guaranteed. Providing regular meals and adequate natural grazing opportunities may reduce the chance of unwanted coral nipping.

Ideal Aquarium Setup

A suitable Flame Angelfish aquarium should include:

• Established live rock with natural algae growth
• Multiple caves, tunnels and sheltered hiding places
• Open areas for active swimming
• Efficient biological and mechanical filtration
• Stable water parameters and consistent maintenance
• Carefully selected marine tank mates

The aquarium should be mature and provide enough rockwork for the fish to graze, explore and establish a secure territory.

Order your Flame Angelfish from Aquaristic Online and add one of the marine aquarium hobby’s most recognisable fish to your saltwater display.

Please note: Livestock appearance, size and behaviour may vary between individual fish. Always confirm compatibility with your existing livestock before purchasing.