Keyhole Angelfish - Medium

The Keyhole Angelfish is a dwarf Angelfish. Its name is in reference to the white "keyhole" patch on its sides. This species is a blue/black colour with yellow pectoral and anal fins. The dorsal and tailfin are the same blue black colour as the head and body. A blue trim runs along the last quarter of the dorsal fin and the edge of the tailfin. This blue trim continues along the base of the anal fin. It is the one of the largest members of the Centropyge genus.

Female Keyhole Angelfish are generally darker than their male counterparts. They tend to be blacker, while males are usually dark blue. This species is hermaphroditic, all starting off as females. Larger more dominant fish will become male. Socially they will either be solitary or in a harem of 3-7 members. They have not been bred in captivity, but in the wild they are broadcast spawners. Courtship involves a dance followed by an ascent in the water column at dusk. When they get close to the surface the male and female will release their sperm and eggs.

This species natural environment is in the Indo-Pacific. Areas include Indonesia, Coral Sea, Christmas Island, Southern Japan, and Fiji. They inhabit reef areas and lagoons around coral and rubble, between depths of 4-55 meters.

Tank Recommendations for your Keyhole Angelfish

Keyhole Angelfish need a tank capacity of at least 55 gallons (208 liters) for one specimen or 100 gallons (378.5 liters) for a pair.

They are best suited to a Fish Only With Live Rock (FOWLR) aquarium. A reef tank is an option but will need monitoring as this species will graze on slime from SPS and LPS corals. A suitable tank should contain plenty of live rock witmanyus hiding places.

A mature tank, at least 6 months old is preferable as it will contain algae for them to graze on. Areas of rubble are also useful to encourage algae growth.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Keyhole Angelfish are semi-aggressive. They will show aggression to other dwarf angels so, in a smaller tank they should be solitary. Larger tanks can accommodate a mated pair or harem, but a pair of males will fight until one dies.

Usually Compatible

Suitable tank buddies include smaller aggressive fish such as Dottybacks, Damselfish, and 6 or 8 line Wrasse.

Sometime Compatible

Keyhole Angelfish can co-habit with conspecifics in larger tanks. Mated pairs and harems need a tank of at least 100 gallons (379 litres) capacity. They may harass smaller semi aggressive fish such as Anthias and Clownfish. This usually occurs in smaller tanks, less so in larger tanks with more hiding places. Larger semi-aggressive fish such as Tangs and Wrasse also need monitoring. Keyhole Angelfish show aggression to fish with similar size, shape and eating habits. Larger more aggressive fish should be ok as long as they are not big enough to eat Keyhole Angelfish. Some corals and invertebrates are at risk from Keyhole Angelfish grazing habits. As a result, a reef environment will need monitoring.

Rarely Compatible

Avoid peaceful fish such as Assessors, Anthias, Fairy Wrasse and Gobies. Slow swimmers and eaters such as Mandarins, Pipefish and Seahorses are not suitable. Keyhole Angelfish will out compete them for food.

Feeding your Keyhole Angelfish

Keyhole Angelfish are omnivores. They consume mainly algae or crustaceans in the wild. In a tank they need naturally growing algae and a varied diet to supplement this. Suitable products include marine algae, spirulina, and Angelfish preparations. They will also consume meaty products such as brine & mysis shrimp or clams. It is recommended to feed them 2-3 times per day.