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Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) — Pomacanthidae

Black angelfish

Centropyge tibicen
Family: Pomacanthidae
LC · Least Concern

The Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
19 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
4.0–55.0 m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Western Pacific; mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and reefs.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The keyhole angelfish is a dwarf angelfish (Pomacanthidae) from the western Pacific. The species is predominantly deep blue to black with a conspicuous, whitish keyhole-shaped spot on the flank and a yellow pelvic fin, to which the name refers; it is the largest species of its genus. It lives relatively uncommonly in mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and seaward reefs. It grazes on algae and picks small invertebrates. Like many angelfishes it is a protogynous hermaphrodite. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Black angelfish?

The Black angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Whitish keyhole blotch on a dark body; largest pygmy angelfish, protogynous hermaphrodite.

Where does the Black angelfish live?

The Black angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Western Pacific; mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and reefs.

How big does the Black angelfish get?

The Black angelfish grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Black angelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Black angelfish is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Black angelfish edible?

The Black angelfish is not usually eaten.

More photos

Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) — Pomacanthidae — 2
Wikimedia Commons — Rickard Zerpe (CC BY 2.0)
Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) — Pomacanthidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) John Sear, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) — Pomacanthidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Rickard Zerpe (CC BY 2.0)
Black angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) — Pomacanthidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Rickard Zerpe (CC BY 2.0)
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All data

Identification

English name
Black angelfish verified
Scientific name
Centropyge tibicen
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Keyhole angelfish; White spot angel verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
19.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Black inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
4.0 verified
Max depth (m)
55.0 verified
Natural range
Western Pacific; mixed coral and rubble areas of lagoons and reefs. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae and small invertebrates sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
levensduur_max_jaar
6.0 verified
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Whitish keyhole blotch on a dark body; largest pygmy angelfish, protogynous hermaphrodite. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Fishing with natural bait (fish, shrimp, worm) or lures close to reef and rock structures. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Centropyge

More from the family Pomacanthidae

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