By AFT Editorial • Last Update: October 3, 2025
A jewel of the Indo-Pacific, the Coral Beauty Angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa) is one of the most popular and sought-after dwarf angelfish in the saltwater aquarium hobby. Renowned for its breathtaking deep royal blue body and a fiery orange-yellow head, this species brings a burst of color and personality to any marine tank.
Unlike their larger cousins, the Coral Beauty's smaller size makes it a viable option for a wider range of aquarists. However, its "reef-safe" status comes with a famous asterisk, making proper research essential. This guide will cover everything you need to know to successfully care for this marine marvel.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Centropyge bispinosa |
| Common Names | Coral Beauty, Twospined Angelfish, Dusky Angelfish |
| Family | Pomacanthidae (Dwarf Angelfish) |
| Care Level | Beginner to Intermediate |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive |
| Reef Safe | With Caution (may nip at corals and clams) |
| Adult Size | Up to 4 inches (10 cm) |
| Minimum Tank Size | 70 gallons (265 liters) |
| Water Parameters | Temp: 74-78°F; dKH: 8-12; pH: 8.1-8.4; Salinity: 1.023-1.026 |
| Diet | Omnivore, with a heavy need for marine algae |
| Lifespan | 5-10+ years with proper care |
| Origin | Indo-Pacific Ocean |
The classic Coral Beauty boasts a stunning, deep royal blue or violet body and fins. This is contrasted by an intense yellow, orange, or reddish coloration that covers its head and chest, often extending partway down its belly.
Interestingly, their coloration can vary depending on their region of origin. For example, specimens from the Philippines and Indonesia often display more orange, while those from Vanuatu may have a more brilliant yellow. All varieties feature faint, dark vertical barring on the body and striking blue outlines on their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins.
A stable and mature environment is key to the long-term health of a Coral Beauty. They are hardy once acclimated but thrive when their natural needs are met.
While they are a small species, Coral Beauties are active swimmers and can be territorial. A minimum tank size of 70 gallons is strongly recommended. A larger tank provides more stable water parameters and gives them ample territory to establish, reducing aggression towards tank mates.
A crucial element for any dwarf angelfish is an abundance of live rock. Your aquascape should be rich with caves, overhangs, and crevices. This provides essential security, allowing the fish to hide when startled, and serves as a constant source of food as they graze on algae and microorganisms.
Coral Beauties require standard reef aquarium conditions. Consistency is more important than chasing a perfect number.
Coral Beauties are omnivores and need a varied diet to thrive. In the wild, they graze constantly on algae and small crustaceans.
Feed small amounts 2-3 times per day. A well-fed angelfish is healthier and less likely to nip at corals.
The Coral Beauty is considered semi-aggressive. Its aggression is typically directed towards other dwarf angelfish or fish with a similar body shape, size, and diet.
To minimize aggression, it’s often best to add the Coral Beauty as one of the last fish to the aquarium.
This is the most common question, and the answer is with caution. While they are one of the more reef-safe dwarf angels, there is never a 100% guarantee.
To reduce the risk of nipping: Keep your Coral Beauty well-fed with a varied diet that includes plenty of algae and seaweed. A hungry angel is a mischievous angel.
For a full breakdown of the risks, see our complete guide to reef-safe angelfish.
The Coral Beauty Angelfish is an iconic species for good reason. Its dazzling colors, manageable size, and active personality make it a centerpiece in any suitable marine aquarium. While its variable attitude towards corals requires careful consideration for reef keepers, its beauty is undeniable. By providing a stable, mature environment with plenty of live rock and a varied diet, you can enjoy this stunning fish for years to come.
A minimum tank size of 70 gallons (265 liters) is strongly recommended for a Coral Beauty Angelfish. While the fish is small, a larger tank provides more stable water parameters and ample territory to reduce aggression and stress.
The Coral Beauty is considered 'reef-safe with caution.' While it is one of the better-behaved dwarf angelfish, there is no guarantee it won't nip at corals. They are most likely to bother Large Polyp Stony (LPS) corals, zoanthids, and clam mantles. The behavior varies by individual fish.
Coral Beauties are omnivores and require a varied diet. Their food should include high-quality marine pellets or flakes rich in spirulina, supplemented with frozen foods like mysis shrimp and brine shrimp. Providing dried seaweed (nori) is also essential to satisfy their natural grazing instinct.
They are considered semi-aggressive. Their aggression is typically directed towards other dwarf angelfish or fish with a similar body shape and grazing behavior. They are generally peaceful with other community fish like clownfish, tangs, and wrasses.
It is not recommended to keep more than one Coral Beauty Angelfish in the same tank unless it is a very large system (200+ gallons) and they are introduced simultaneously. They are highly territorial towards their own kind.
The Coral Beauty Angelfish is a dwarf angelfish that reaches a maximum adult size of about 4 inches (10 cm).
With proper care in a healthy, mature aquarium, a Coral Beauty Angelfish can live for 5 to 10 years, and sometimes even longer.
They are considered a good choice for a beginner-to-intermediate marine aquarist who has an established, mature aquarium of at least 70 gallons. They are quite hardy once acclimated.
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