How to Breed Centropyge Marine Angelfish

Centropyges are a type of marine angelfish. Also known as dwarf pygmy, pygmy, Atlantic pygmy or cherub angelfish, they are among the smallest of the various types of marine angelfish. Centropyges are easier to breed in captivity than some other varieties. All angelfish are born hermaphrodites, but have the ability to change sex as needed for the environment. Angelfish are pelagic breeders, meaning they release their eggs into the open ocean and let the currents carry them to the surface. The most challenging aspect of breeding pygmy angelfish in captivity is keeping the larvae alive.

Things You'll Need

  • Two or more centropyges
  • Breeding tank
  • Small empty aquarium
  • Aquarium lights or natural light
  • Brine shrimp
  • Nori
  • Lettuce
  • Algae
  • Live rock
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase as many centropyges as your aquarium can safely support. Choose a mix of small and large specimens. Release them together in the aquarium. The larger or more dominant individuals will become male; the others, female. There are usually one or two males per harem, though angelfish sometimes pair off as mates. The time it takes for the males to emerge can vary, but expect about 30 to 60 days.

    • 2

      Establish which fish are the males or "kings" by their size. When ready to spawn, their colors will lighten. Another indication of breeding time is when both male and female fish spend extended time near the top of the tank. Males will nudge females, releasing sperm to fertilize the females' floating eggs.

    • 3

      Keep a consistent "day/night" light cycle, whether with natural or artificial lighting. Centropyges breed around dusk, and a light/dark timing that roughly imitates the natural 24-hour cycle will maximize their spawning activity.

    • 4

      Expect the eggs to hatch within 20 hours after spawning. Move them to an empty aquarium. The centropyge larvae survive on their yolk sacs for 48 to 72 hours. After that, offer food like lettuce or nori with a clip that attaches inside the aquarium and holds the food in place. Brine shrimp and algae are other options. Offering live rock is helpful for the larvae, since they can graze on the organisms living on the live rock.