The Most Endearing Dwarf Angelfish In The Hobby : Centropyge Argi

The most endearing member of the genus Centropyge (Dwarf angelfish family). Centropyge argi is merely a dwarf version of regular dwarf angelfish. They are normally sold at sizes ranging from 1 to 3 inches. At 3 inches, this angelfish is a fully grown adult and will not get any larger.

They are also known as Cherub Angelfish, pygmy angelfish and the Atlantic pygmy angelfish. They possess a yellow face and a deep royal blue throughout their bodies with electric blue linings on their dorsal and anal fins.

They come from the Caribbean Ocean, from the Gulf of Mexico, South America and Florida. They’re pretty cheap fish as far as angelfish go, priced at $20 to $30 USD, these little angels are a very affordable dwarf angelfish for marine aquariums big or small. They are commonly offered on the market, and their price reflects that fact.

Despite their size they are a feisty little ball of aggression and can usually defend themselves against larger more aggressive fishes, but they must have space to retreat and hide. Do not add two cherub angelfish into a small tank, one of them will most likely sustain serious injuries. I’ve seen a cherub angelfish harass a smaller one to death in a 30 gallon saltwater aquarium. If you want a pair of them, you have two options. Introduce them to the tank (large one) at the same time and hope they pair up or buy a mated pair.

Due to their small size the cherub angelfish can actually be housed in aquariums as small as 20 gallons. This make centropyge argi uniquely qualified for those that want an angelfish, but lack an aquarium large enough for one. Of course it is recommended that you get the biggest tank you can for your fish. But smaller specimens under 1.5 inches should do fine in a 20 gallon.

Centropyge argi are grazers in their natural habitat. Like surgeonfish, they scan the rock throughout the day for food. They feed on detritus, tiny crustaceans and a wide variety of algae.

In a saltwater aquarium they should be given a balanced diet. A wide range of foods should be given, variety is important. Feeding them a specific food for too long can be detrimental to their health. Although there are some hobbyists that feed them new life spectrum pellets for prolonged periods of time with no ill effects. They all looked very healthy in fact. They should be fed a frozen food that has both meat and algae (Formula One, Formula Two), algae and nori sheets as well as a pellet from a reputable brand like New Life Spectrum.

The perfect food for dwarf angels is the Pygmy Angel Formula by Ocean Nutrition. Ingredients such as kelp, krill, squid,squid, vitamins and minerals and much more are used in this frozen food. Prior to freezing, the cubes are mixed with these ingredients. Unfortunately Pygmy Angel Formula does not come in flake form.