Cherub Angelfish

Cherub Angelfish (Centropyge argi)

 

Common Names

• Cherub Angelfish
• Cherubfish
• Pygmy Cherub Angelfish
• Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish
• Cherub Dwarf Angelfish

 

Identification

The Cherub Angelfish is one of the smallest marine angelfish available in the aquarium hobby, admired for its brilliant electric blue body accented by a vibrant yellow-orange face and chest. Native to the warm waters of the Caribbean Seaand Western Atlantic Ocean, this dwarf angelfish is both hardy and full of personality, making it an excellent choice for experienced beginners and seasoned reef keepers alike.

Despite its small size, the Cherub Angelfish is confident and active, often weaving through caves and rockwork while constantly grazing on algae and biofilm.

 

Approximate Size: 2–3 inches (5–8 cm)

Behavior & Role in a Reef Tank

Cherub Angelfish are highly active fish that spend much of their day exploring live rock, grazing on algae, and searching for tiny crustaceans and natural food sources. They appreciate aquariums with abundant caves, overhangs, and hiding places where they can establish a territory.

Although peaceful toward many community fish, they can become territorial toward other dwarf angelfish or similarly shaped species, particularly in smaller aquariums. In a well-established reef with plenty of rockwork, they become fascinating and colorful additions that provide constant movement.

 

Compatibility & Caution

The Cherub Angelfish is reef safe with caution. While many individuals coexist peacefully with corals, some may nip at large polyp stony (LPS) corals, zoanthids, soft corals, clam mantles, or other sessile invertebrates. This behavior varies greatly from one fish to another.

For the best chance of success in a reef aquarium, keep the fish well-fed and provide plenty of natural grazing opportunities.

A mature aquarium with established live rock is highly recommended, as it provides both natural food sources and secure hiding places.

 

Care Level

Care Level: Easy to Moderate

Recommended Water Parameters

• Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C)
• Specific Gravity: 1.024–1.026
• pH: 8.1–8.4
• Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: <20 ppm

 

Diet

Cherub Angelfish are omnivores that require a varied diet rich in both plant and protein-based foods.

 

Offer a varied menu including:

• Spirulina flakes and pellets
• Marine algae and nori
• Mysis shrimp
• Enriched brine shrimp
• Finely chopped seafood
• Marine angelfish preparations containing sponge material
• Frozen omnivore blends

Feed 2–3 small meals daily to maintain excellent health and vibrant coloration.

 

Tank Mates

Suitable companions include:

• Clownfish
• Gobies
• Blennies
• Cardinalfish
• Firefish
• Fairy and Flasher Wrasses
• Royal Grammas
• Basslets
• Chromis
• Smaller Tangs (in appropriately sized aquariums)

 

Avoid housing with aggressive angelfish, large predatory fish, or multiple dwarf angelfish unless the aquarium is sufficiently large with plenty of territories.

 

Fun Fact

The Cherub Angelfish is the smallest angelfish commonly available in the marine aquarium hobby, reaching only about 3 inches (8 cm) as an adult. Despite its tiny size, it is remarkably bold and often becomes one of the most confident fish in the aquarium, fearlessly defending its favorite cave or rockwork from much larger tank mates.