The Flameback Angelfish,Centropyge acanthops, also known as the African Pygmy Angelfish, and Orangeback Angel, features an orange and yellow dorsal fin, an orange eye, and a deep blue body with a clear tail. As one of the smallest members of the Centropyge family, the Flameback Angel is not necessarily reef safe as it picks on coral mucous and small sessile inverts. The Flameback Angel is a hardy fish, and has an omnivorous diet of natural algae and brine and mysis shrimp. They are an egg-scattering species and can be bred in captivity. They require a tank of at least 30 gallons, plenty of live rock and open swimming space. It is semi-aggressive and will defend their territory, but usually will not bother other tank mates. They may nip at some soft and polyp corals.  Overall, the Flameback Angel is a beautiful, relatively peaceful fish that will go great in most home aquariums. African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops): Your Complete Guide The African Flameback Angelfish, scientifically known as Centropyge acanthops, is a striking addition to marine aquariums that captivates hobbyists with its vibrant colors and unique personality. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about this species, including its habitat, reef compatibility, size, lifespan, dietary needs in captivity, availability through aquaculture, compatibility with other marine inhabitants, sexual dimorphism, juvenile to adult coloration changes, temperament, tank requirements, and precise water conditions. We'll also explore common names for this species and compelling reasons to purchase the African Flameback Angelfish from Saltwaterfish.com. Habitat and Natural Range The African Flameback Angelfish is typically found in the Western Indian Ocean, primarily in regions around the African coastlines. In the wild, they inhabit coral reefs and rocky outcrops with abundant coral growth. Understanding their natural environment is essential for recreating suitable conditions within your aquarium. Reef Compatibility Regarding reef compatibility, the African Flameback Angelfish is generally considered reef-safe. They are not known to harm corals or invertebrates in your reef aquarium. However, individual fish may display unique behaviors, so monitoring their interactions is essential. Size and Lifespan African Flameback Angelfish are relatively small, typically reaching 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) when fully grown. They can live for 5 to 7 years with proper care, making them a delightful and long-lasting addition to your marine setup. Diet in Captivity Feeding African Flameback Angelfish in captivity is relatively straightforward. Provide them with a balanced diet that includes: High-Quality Marine Pellets: Offer high-quality marine pellets designed explicitly for angelfish to meet their nutritional needs. Frozen Foods: Supplement their diet with frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other marine preparations to ensure a diverse and nutritious diet. Algae and Plant Matter: Incorporate marine algae and vegetable matter, such as seaweed sheets, to mimic their natural grazing habits. Aquaculture and Availability African Flameback Angelfish are occasionally available through aquaculture efforts, but their availability may vary. It's advisable to check with reputable suppliers like Saltwaterfish.com for current availability. Compatibility with Other Fish and Invertebrates African Flameback Angelfish are generally peaceful, but their temperament may change as they mature. Here are five compatible tankmates for your African Flameback Angelfish: Clownfish: Clownfish species like the Ocellaris Clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) and Percula Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) can coexist peacefully. Firefish: Firefish species, such as the Firefish Goby (Nemateleotris magnifica), make suitable tankmates given adequate hiding spots. Gobies: Certain goby species, including the Yasha White Ray Shrimp Goby (Stonogobiops yasha), are compatible due to their small size and peaceful demeanor. Blennies: Blennies, such as the Tailspot Blenny (Ecsenius stigmatura), are generally compatible with ample hiding spots. Tangs and Surgeonfish: Tangs like the Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) and other surgeonfish species can coexist, especially in larger aquariums. Sexual Dimorphism African Flameback Angelfish do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it challenging to visually distinguish between males and females. Juvenile to Adult Coloration Changes Juvenile African Flameback Angelfish exhibit striking coloration, with a deep blue body adorned with bright orange accents and vertical bars. As they mature into adults, their colors become even more vibrant, making them a stunning focal point in your aquarium. Temperament African…