Animal-World > Marine - Saltwater Fish > Marine Angelfish > Lemonpeel Angel

Lemonpeel Angelfish

Lemonpeel Dwarf Angelfish, Lemon Peel Angel

Family: PomacanthidaeCentropyge flavissimaPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

The Lemonpeel Angelfish is a bright, spunky dwarf angel that loves its vegetables!

The Lemonpeel Angelfish Centropyge flavissima is one of the larger dwarf angels, reaching a length of 5.5" (14 cm). The popularity of the Lemon Peel Angel is due to its striking coloration. It's a vibrant yellow fish accented with a light blue trim around the eyes, gill cover, edges of the fins, and sometimes the lips.

There are many yellow dwarf angels that come under the "Lemonpeel" description, but only 2 are most commonly imported. The blue “trim” is what will tell you if you are looking at the “true” Lemonpeel Angel C. flavissima rather than the other common import, the Herald's Angelfish C. heraldi . The Herald's Angelfish, also known as the False Lemonpeel Angelfish, looks almost exactly like a Lemonpeel Angelfish but without the blue ring around the eye and gill covers. Also, Herald's angelfish is not as dependent on algae in it's diet as the Lemonpeel is.

The Lemon Peel Angel is similar in behavior and hardiness to other large Centropyge angels such as the Bicolor Angelfish  Centropyge bicolor . It is very attractive and great for a fish aquarium, but is not always as easy to keep as many other angelfish. Like the Bicolor, the Lemonpeel Angel is a more aggressive pygmy angel and not necessarily a good inhabitant for a reef tank. It tends to feed only on algae and will often nip on corals and other invertebrates, including the mantles of clams. The Lemonpeel is not as hardy starting out in captivity, but sometimes it can actually be more hardy than other dwarf angels once it's established.

This angel makes up for its lack of coral compatibility with its brilliant coloration. It is a great addition for a "fish only with live rock" aquarium (FOWLR). However, they are aggressive for a dwarf angelfish and may pick on less aggressive and smaller tank mates. They need quite a bit of algae to graze on daily, along with several feedings a day. This shows the need for a larger system that can handle such a bio-load. This dwarf angelfish will spawn in captivity, yet raising the larvae is quite a difficult task. They also like warmer water that ranges from 75 degrees F up to 83 degrees F for spawning.

A decent sized tank, at least 55-60 gallons, with algae growing on live rock is recommended. A tank that is 75 to 100 gallons will be needed for a pair. Within the tank, offer plenty of hiding spaces within the rocks to make them feel secure. It's best not to house them with corals, clams or any other sessile invertebrates. They do have a taste for the slim that protects corals, yet it has been stated that some will leave cnidarians alone. Even then, keep a close eye on prized specimens. According to one source they control many types of growth including diatom coating, stringy algae growth, Ulva rigida and Lactuca , some species of Derbesia , and some Entermorpha species.

Look for a Lemonpeel Angelfish that is alert and aware of its surroundings. The coloration should be bright, not faded which indicates illness or other issues. It should also look well fed and plump, readily eating when offered food. All Lemon Peel Angels are born female and can be paired according to size. Since the larger fish becomes male, creating a pair may be possible by buying one large and one small Lemonpeel Angelfish. Within a few months they hopefully they will assume their roles as male and female. Spend the extra money on the Indian Ocean species from Christmas Island and Cocos-Keeling Islands, as they have a better chance of surviving in captivity.

For more Information on keeping saltwater fish see:
Marine Aquarium Basics: Guide to a Healthy Saltwater Aquarium

Habitat: Distribution / Background

The Lemonpeel Angelfish Centropyge flavissima was described by Cuvier in 1831. This pygmy angel is a member of the Pomacanthidae family, of the genus Centropyge , which currently has over 33 species. It is on the IUCN Red List as Least Concerned (LC) with a stable population. Other common names they are known by are Lemonpeel Dwarf Angelfish and Lemon Peel Angel.

They are found throughout the Central Pacific Ocean. In the Indo-Pacific they are found in Cocos-Keeling Islands and the Atoll Islands to the Line Islands, Marquesan Island and Ducie Islands and at times Easter Island, then north to the Ryukyu Island, and south to Rapa and New Caledonia. They are also reported from the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef of Australia, with rare but occasional sighting from the western side of its distribution including Palau, Philippines, New Guinea, Indonesia, and Japan.

The Lemonpeel Angelfish live alone as juveniles, but as adults they are found in pairs or in small harems of one male and three females. They inhabit coral rich areas of exposed seaward reefs from the lower surge zone and also in shallow lagoons at depths of 9 to 164 feet (3 to 50 m). They feed primarily on algae and detritus.

This dwarf angelfish is closely related to the Pearl-Scaled Angelfish or Half Black Angel C. Vroliki and the Eibli Angelfish or Black Tail Angel C. Eibli . It regularly hybridizes with the Pearl-Scaled Angelfish in various parts of Micronesia, and also hybridizes with the Eibli Angelfish at Christmas Island.

Other fish with a very similar appearance to the Lemonpeel Angel are the Herald's Angelfish or False Lemonpeel Angelfish C. heraldi . The primary difference in their coloration is that the Herald's Angel lacks the blue accents found on the Lemonpeel. It is also mimicked in the wild by juvenile Chocolate Tangs or Mimic Tangs Acanthurus pyroferus . But these tangs loose their yellow coloration as they mature.

• Scientific Name: Centropyge flavissima
• Social Grouping: Groups - Adults are found in pairs or in harems that usually consist of one male and three females.
• IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern - Stable population.

Description

The Lemonpeel Angelfish has the typical shape for a dwarf species, having a small elongated oval shaped body with rounded fins. They grow to a maximum length of 5.5" (14 cm) and have a lifespan of 11 years in captivity.

Lemonpeel Angelfish Photo © Animal-World

These dwarf angels are typically bright yellow with a blue and black line on the gill cover. Some of their fins are edged with blue as well and there can be some blue on the lips. Specimens originating from the Pacific Ocean also have a blue circle around the eye. This eye ring is missing from those originating Indian Ocean, and there is some speculation that this could indicate a separate species.

The juveniles are the same color as the adults, but they also have an ocellus, or eyespot on each side. These are a large black dot edged with blue located in the middle of the body. Lemonpeel Angelfish often cross breed with C. vroliki (Pearlscale Angelfish) which tend to be more hardy.

• Maximum Size: 5.5 inches (13.97 cm)
• Lifespan: 11 years - They have a lifespan of 11 years in captivity.

Fish Keeping Difficulty

The Lemon Peel Angel are moderately hardy to keep, and suggested for an intermediate marine aquarist. They can be easy to moderate to care for if you are careful to get a healthy individual who is alert, eating, and curious.

They need a mature tank that is minimum of 55 gallons (208 l) with plenty of algae growth. Of utmost importance is multiple places to hide, so they will feel secure enough to come out. They also like a bit warmer aquarium than other dwarf angels, preferring over 81 degrees F (27 C). So If you have a finicky eater try increasing the temperature slightly. Do not let pH drop below 8.0 and nitrates need to be very low. Any nitrites can be lethal.

• Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy - A healthy individual who is alert, eating, and curious can be easy to moderate to care for.
• Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate

Foods and Feeding

The Lemonpeel Angelfish is an omnivore, but their diet mainly consists of algae. They need algae naturally growing in the tank to be healthy. Feeding them 2 to 3 times a day and offering a variety of good foods is important. These include prepared foods with marine algae, spirulina enriched foods, frozen mysid shrimp, shaved shrimp and brine shrimp. There are several good commercial foods available including Formula II and Angel Formula.

• Diet Type: Omnivore - They are an omnivore, leaning more toward algae consumption.
• Flake Food: Yes - Flake foods with spirulina.
• Tablet Pellet: Yes
• Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
• Vegetable Food: Most of Diet - Their diet mainly consists of algae.
• Meaty Food: Some of Diet
• Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day - Feed 2 to 3 times a day and provide a variety of good foods.

Aquarium Care

The Lemonpeel Dwarf Angelfish is moderately difficult to keep. Water quality and tank size are important. Keep in mind these angelfish are constant grazers and like tangs, lots of food in equals a lot of bio load, so water quality must be monitored. They need a pH of at least 8.0, and water changes that do not include scrubbing algae off of rock. If the tank is 55 to 60 gallons, a bi-weekly change of 10% to 15% would be good. If your tank is over 100 gallons, maybe every 3 weeks to a month do a 20% change, and so on.

• Water Changes: Bi-weekly - A bi-weekly water change of 10% to 15% is suggested.

Aquarium Setup

They will do well in a typical reef setting with live rock and plenty of places to hide. The aquarium needs to be at least 6 months old or more to provide all the necessary algae to feed your angelfish. It may be helpful have areas of rubble for the algae to grow on, which will aid in feeding them their needed veggies. A minimum of 55 gallons is needed for one fish and 75 or more for a mated pair. Provide water parameters of: 72-82° F, pH 8.0-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025. Even juveniles need an established tank that is at least 55 gallons. Add dwarf angels to the tank at the same time and as last additions.

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L) - A minimum of 55 gallons is needed for one fish and 75 or more for a mated pair or small harem.
• Suitable for Nano Tank: No
• Live Rock Requirement: Typical Plus Hiding Places
• Substrate Type: Any - They also do well with a "rubble" substrate which would facilitate a lot of coverage for algae to grow on.
• Lighting Needs: Any
• Temperature: 75.0 - 82.0° F (23.9 - 27.8° C) - This angelfish prefers a slightly warmer aquarium than other dwarf angels.
• Breeding Temperature: 79° F - They need a temperature of 79 to 83 degrees F (26 - 28 C) for 14-16 hours a day for spawning behavior.
• Specific gravity: 1.020-1.025 SG
• Range ph: 8.0-8.4
• Brackish: No
• Water Movement: Any - They like some areas of faster water movement.
• Water Region: Bottom - They will also inhabit mid level areas of the tank.

Social Behaviors

The Lemonpeel Angelfish, like other members of this genus, is solitary and stays close to shelter. It is aggressive toward other fish in the same genus so should be kept alone in a 55 gallon tank. They can be kept as a male/female pair or small harem in a larger aquarium, one that is 75 to 100 gallons. Two males will fight to the death.

These pygmy angels are territorial and they will pick on less aggressive and smaller tank mates. Dwarf angelfish need to be the last fish added into a tank. They will nip and pick at corals, clams and other sessile invertebrates, so reef tanks are not suggested. It has been stated that Lemon Peel Angels tend to leave cnidarians alone, but even this is a 50/50 shot.

• Venomous: No
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive - One of the more aggressive Centropyge angelfish.
• Same species - conspecifics: Sometimes - Keep male/Female pairs in tanks over 75 gallons (284 l) and larger for small harems.
• Peaceful fish (gobies, dartfish, assessors, fairy wrasses): Threat
• Semi-Aggressive (anthias, clownfish, dwarf angels): Monitor - Will harass smaller fish like clowns and anthias.
• Aggressive (dottybacks, 6-line & 8-line wrasse, damselfish): Safe
• Large Semi-Aggressive (tangs, large angels, large wrasses): Safe
• Large Aggressive, Predatory (lionfish, groupers, soapfish): Monitor - Safe unless the fish is large enough to eat the Bicolor Angelfish.
• Slow Swimmers & Eaters (seahorses, pipefish, mandarins): Threat
• Anemones: Threat
• Mushroom Anemones - Corallimorphs: Threat
• LPS corals: Threat
• SPS corals: Threat
• Gorgonians, Sea Fans: Threat
• Leather Corals: Threat
• Star Polyps, Organ Pipe Coral: Monitor - May pick at appendages if not well fed.
• Zoanthids - Button Polyps, Sea Mats: Threat
• Sponges, Tunicates: Threat
• Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Threat
• Starfish: Monitor
• Feather Dusters, Bristle Worms, Flatworms: Threat
• Clams, Scallops, Oysters: Threat - Have been known to nip the mantles of clams.
• Copepods, Amphipods, Mini Brittle Stars: Threat

Sex: Sexual differences

All Centropyge are born as female, as they grow, the larger and more dominant fish will become male and if the male dies, the angelfish next in line in the hierarchy will turn to male. Putting a larger and smaller fish together is the best way to get a pair, possibly in about 2 -3 months time. Of course, watch for aggression during this time.

Breeding / Reproduction

All dwarf angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously at dusk. They dance then rise into the water column and release their eggs and sperm near the top of the water.

Lemonpeel Angelfish spawn in the hobbyist's marine aquariums with regularity, but that's where the progress usually stops. They are very difficult to successfully breed in captivity. They prefer warmer water, especially when spawning, requiring excellent water quality, and then a good food for the larvae.

A larger deep tank is needed, as well as a stable lighting schedule to encourage spawning. You can copy nature’s proper dusk light cycle of your aquarium by having 1/2 the lights go out (brighter lights) then, an hour later, the other 1/2 (actinic) go out at a consistent time every day. They need a temperature of 79 to 83 degrees F (26 - 28 C) for 14-16 hours a day and at least a 20” tank height to allow for the rising and spawning behavior.

The planktonic eggs will hatch in just under 24 hours, and after hatching, within 24 to 36 hours they need microscopic algae for their very small mouths. Since raising these babies is difficult, much preparation is needed. The larvae react to only certain kinds of live foods. It has been found that they won't eat rotifers and baby brine shrimp are simply too big for them, but it is said they will eat copepods.

• Ease of Breeding: Difficult

Fish Diseases

Providing a dwarf angelfish with plenty of places to hide and clean water is the best way to prevent illness. Calm fish are healthy fish. If not stressed, they will have a stronger immune system to prevent infections. Like other saltwater angelfish, dwarf angelfish can suffer any disease that captive saltwater environments have to offer. Dwarf angelfish are prone to crypt which is the most common disease. Under stress they can also contract Brooklynella, which is a common clownfish disease that kills quickly, and can contract Oodinium (Amyloodinium) infections as well.

Fish problems can be broken into one of (or a combination of) these types: parasites, bacterial disease, fungal disease, or physical ailments (wounds and injuries). To learn all about fish problems and find specific answers, see Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments.

The best and first defense to prevent diseases is a quarantine period before introducing a new fish. Quarantine tanks should be bare with a PVC tube where the fish can hide. Do regular water changes every day or so. Secondly, fresh water dips can also help to kill anything that is on their body that may spread. PH and temperature must be the same (just use baking soda to bring up the PH if you have soft water but use a test). Start with 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes if they are not showing any signs of distress. This is really only needed if you see anything on their body or if the back fin is starting to fray.

Dwarf angelfish diseases and treatments:

1. Parasitic diseases
   Dwarf angelfish are prone to parasites like Saltwater Ich or White Spot Disease (Crypt), which is the most common disease. Symptoms of crypt are constant scratching and flashing, culminating with numerous white dots all over the body and fins. These dots disappear for a few days, only to return with double the number. This results in the fish suffocating from these parasites blocking the gills from providing oxygen.
   • Treatment of parasites
     For external parasites such as Crypt, slowly increase the temperature of your tank just at least 82°F (28°C). That will prevent the parasite from completing it’s life cycle which includes the attachment to fish.
     Seachem makes products called Focus and Metronidazole. This treatment can be used in a reef aquarium since the medication is bound to the food, which even if the corals eat, will not hurt them.
     The Focus (bonding agent) is mixed 5 to 1 with their Metronidazole (one part Metro to 5 parts Focus) and this is mixed this with 1 tablespoon of food and feed to the fish 3 times a day for at least a week or until symptoms are gone.
     The combination of the higher temperature and food and medication combo will provide timely relief, but of course
      
2. Bacterial Diseases
   As with all dwarf angels, they are also vulnerable to bacterial diseases. Vibrio bacteria, which starts as an internal infection, turns into Dropsy, Popeye, Bleeding or Red Streaks on the skin. It is a very fast acting bacteria that will kill your angelfish in days. One way it typically starts is with an innocently frayed back fin. This disease will quickly spread and kill your fish within 2 days.
   • Treatment of bacterial diseases
     Fresh water dips are an important step to kill anything that is on their body that may spread. PH and temperature must be the same (just use baking soda to bring up the PH if you have soft water but use a test). Start with 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes if they are not showing any signs of distress. This is really only needed if you see anything on their body or if the back fin is starting to fray. They are also prone to Brooklynella, Hexamita, Velvet Disease and Amyloodinium. Only treat in 1/2 doses any medications containing cleated copper as all angelfish are sensitive to this element in it's free form.
      
3. Fungal Diseases
   Dwarf angelfish are also prone to Brooklynella, Hexamita, Velvet Disease and Amyloodinium.
   • Treatment of fungal diseases
     Only treat in 1/2 doses any medications containing cleated copper as all angelfish are sensitive to this element in its free form.
      
4. Physical Ailments
   Physical Ailments are often the result of the environment, either water conditions or incompatible tankmates. Poor quality water conditions can lead to fish gasping, not eating, jumping out of the tank, and more. Tank mate problems can result in nipped fins and bite wounds..
   • Treatment for physical ailments
     Look for and remove bully fish.
     Products on the market to help include stress relievers like Melefix, Wound Treat, and Bio Bandage.

Availability

The Lemonpeel Angelfish is usually available online and in stores, and is moderately priced.

References

• Animal-World References: Marine and Reef
• Centropyge flavissima Lemonpeel angelfish, Fishbase
• Centropyge flavissima, IUNC Red List, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
• Scott W. Michael, Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes: Reef Fishes Series , Microcosm Ltd, 2004
• Scott W. Michael, Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species, T.F.H Publications inc., 1999
• Mark Allen, Roger Steene and Gerald R. Allen, A Guide to Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes , Odyssey Publishing, 1998
• Roger Steene, Gerald R. Allen, Hans A. Baensch, Butterfly and Angelfishes of the World, Volume 1, John Wiley & Sons, 1980
• Bob Goemans, Centropyge flavissima Lemonpeel Angelfish, Saltcorner.com

Author: David Brough CFS, Carrie McBirney, Clarice Brough CFS

• Centropyge flavissima : $39.99
• Centropyge flavissima : $49.99
• Centropyge flavissima : $59.99
• Centropyge flavissima : $44.99

Lemonpeel Pygmy Angel Centropyge Flavissima Small Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $39.99

Lemonpeel Pygmy Angel Centropyge Flavissima Medium Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $49.99

Lemonpeel Pygmy Angel Centropyge Flavissima Large Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $59.99

Lemonpeel Pygmy Angel Centropyge Flavissima Small/medium Offered By: That Pet Place Price: $44.99

Lastest Comments on Lemonpeel Angel View all 7 comments on Lemonpeel Angel Add Your Comment

WaltC. - 2012-01-18 I have a large sailfin tang in my tank with 7 Blue-Green Chromis, a Niger Trigger (added last), Ocellaris Clownfish, Blue Spotted Sandsifting Goby, Black Top Butterfly,and an Anemone in a 75 gal. with a couple of Soft Soral. I plan on getting a Lemon Peel Angelfish and a Kole Tang, will this combination work? Editor's Note - 2012-01-19 Sounds like a fun group! To answer your question, I would say no. This is why.... a Lemon Peel angelfish needs all the algae it can get that is naturally growing on your live rock. They also need some mysis and other meaty foods, but 70% to 80% of it's intake is the algae growing on live rock. Your Sailfin Tang, I am sure keeps your algae under control, and would irritate the Lemon Peel Angelfish to the point of aggression or starvation of the Lemon Peel. The Lemon Peel may also make short work of some of your corals. Kole Tangs, IMO are a better choice since they will eat the detritus and some algae as well. A Kole Tang may be a victim of harassment in a 75 with a Sailfin Tang and a Lemon Peel in the same tank. Again,as for the Lemon Peel Angelfish, it is a gamble with your corals, but it may be okay, just that Centropyge really need the natural algae. Hope that helps and maybe you can illuminate to us the reason for your interest in these two fish. Reply

Lewis - 2011-07-26 Hi, I would like to keep one of these in a 30 gallon aqaurium with 6 chromis,1 Clarks clownfish,2 fire fish,2cleaner shrimp,1 diamond goby,1 scooter blenny. Can anyone give me any help??? Charlie Roche - 2011-07-26 AHHH sure, I will try and help. Good news is you have a very interesting collection. Bad news --- the tank is too small. If you refer to some of the articles in Animal World (just take the one on the Blenny) he is recommended he have a 30 gallon tank all by himself. He needs room. Then lets take the 6 chromis - rule of thumb is 1 usable gallon of water for each inch the fish is going to be as an adult. 6 chromis run about 2.5 to 3 inches so there is another 18 gallons. The clown he is going to be about 5 - 6 inches so another 5 - 6 gallons. You have to subtract gallons for gravel and plants and decorations also. So here is the great news --- you can justify a really big tank. Have fun and enjoy. Lewis - 2011-07-29 So can I get a lemon peel????? :) Lewis - 2011-07-29 Go onto YouTube and look at some of my videos my name on YouTube is Fishyboy1998 Reply

tom - 2008-12-07 I have 3 angelfishes ( lemonpeel , flame and coral beauty ) im my 35 gallon reef tank for the past 6 months and so far everything seems to be ok. They show some aggression towards each, other especially during the feeding time. My tank is pretty crowded (12 fishes including yellow tang, 2 blue tangs, a pair of clown fishes, cleaner wrasse, royal gramma and 2 dartfishes, plus several corals). So I have to be careful when feeding. I change 10% water every 5-6 days which I prepare in a separate tank. I love dwarf angels so I couldn`t resist and keep only one. So far so good. tom cal - 2010-04-05 I've had a lemon peel in my 39g tank for almost 4 weeks .I tried mysis shrimp ,omega one super veggie,cylopeeze,omega one flakes,and enriched brine shrimp. I don't see it eat or graze on live rock. It swims around once in a while and likes the cleaner shrimp. The coral beauty doesn't bother her at all actually the lemon peel is more dominant. Any hints for that behavior? Am I gonna loose it? Its tummy doesn't look full. nick - 2010-07-18 I have a lemonpeel a potters and a goldflake in a 40 gal and all is well. Tom G - 2010-08-12 12 fish in a 35 gallon tank including 3 tangs? Tang Police - 2010-09-01 First of all, what are you doing with 2 blue tangs and a yellow tang inside a tiny 35 gallon aquarium, secondly you should upgrade your tank to a size around 150 gallons or bigger to comfortably accommodate the tangs and the other 12 fish you have. mindy - 2011-06-21 I don't mean to judge or hate or whatever but I do think I should tell you that I have learned that while the fish seem small now they will grow! The tangs will be like 7 inches long! I'm sure your tank is beautiful and you like your fish, but consider getting a much larger tank or returning some fishy friends because they will die prematurely or suffer from a lack of space. Good luck! Reply

Patrick - 2007-09-22 I have one and find it to be docile as well, though I only have one angel. I want a flame or coral beauty, but I think 72 gallons is too small. It does eat everything, but my other fish get theirs too. It has a great personality and whenever someone approaches the tank it is right there looking back at you as if you are on display. David Mackwell - 2010-11-09 72 gallons is a good size for 2 dwarf angels but be careful when looking for your flame they are fussy eaters, plus ask the pet shop to show you it feeding, good luck, David. Reply

rashr - 2007-02-27 I do believe the issue the other two gentlemen are having is the fact they both have more than one Pygmy Angel in their tank. I have a lemonpeel and love her....she is docile to all other tank mates and is best of friends with my Purple Tang. You need to feed lots of seaweed, I personally like the Julia Sprung's dried seaweed. Great and beautiful fish, but don't put more than one pygmy angel in your tank at a time unless you have 125 gals or more and they are introduced at the same time and as juveniles. Reply

billy - 2007-01-21 I put a Lemonpeel and a Flame Angel in my small (60gal) established tank. All was well for 6 months, apart from some minor aggression. The aggression got more serious recently and today I found my Flame almost motionless in a top corner of the tank. The Lemonpeel had ripped him to shreds. He's in a recovery tank now and should be alright. The Lemonpeel has to go as he is the bully. He seems to get bored and start trouble for fun. Eats anything I put in the tank though - especially brine shrimp. Reply

Add your comment!

View all 7 comments on Lemonpeel Angel

Back to Marine Angelfish