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Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) — Pomacanthidae

Rusty angelfish

Centropyge ferrugata
Family: Pomacanthidae

The Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) is a saltwater fish of the family Pomacanthidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
6.0–30.0 m
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Palau, Philippines, Ogasawara Is.
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The rusty angelfish is a dwarf angelfish (Pomacanthidae) from the western Pacific, off East Asia. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a rusty-red body with fine dark speckles and blue accents on the fin edges. As a reef-dweller it lives on rubble-strewn slopes and grazes algae and detritus. It lives in small harem groups and can change sex. The fish is harmless to humans and is prized in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Rusty angelfish?

The Rusty angelfish has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Rusty angelfish live?

The Rusty angelfish lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Palau, Philippines, Ogasawara Is.

How big does the Rusty angelfish get?

The Rusty angelfish grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Rusty angelfish dangerous to humans?

No, the Rusty angelfish is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

Is the Rusty angelfish edible?

Yes, the Rusty angelfish is commonly eaten.

More photos

Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) — Pomacanthidae — 2
Randall, John E. (CC0 1.0) via GBIF — USNM
Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) — Pomacanthidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Lukas Fuxjäger, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) — Pomacanthidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) catta, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Rusty angelfish (Centropyge ferrugata) — Pomacanthidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) kuroshio, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Rusty angelfish sourced
Scientific name
Centropyge ferrugata
Family
Pomacanthidae
Other names
Rusty angelfish verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Min depth (m)
6.0 verified
Max depth (m)
30.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Japan, Ryukyu Is., Palau, Philippines, Ogasawara Is. sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Protogynous (female first) sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Centropyge

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Fin

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