Fauna
Fish

Flame Angelfish

Centropyge loriculus

Also known as Flame Angel, Flaming Angelfish, Japanese Pygmy Angelfish

Flame angelfish are solitary or haremic reef dwellers that stay close to shelter, darting between branching corals and crevices to graze on algae. Males vigorously defend territories containing several females, engaging in elaborate spiraling courtship displays at dusk before shedding gametes into open water. Their brilliant fiery coloration acts as disruptive camouflage amidst vibrant coral heads and deep blue ocean depths.

MarineCoral ReefColorful
Flame Angelfish reference
(c) Andreas März, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFilamentous algae, Small crustaceans, Benthic detritus
Predators
  • Groupers
  • Moray eels
  • Lionfish
ThreatsCoral reef degradation, warming ocean waters, and localized collection for the marine aquarium trade
HabitatsClear lagoon reefs and seaward coral reef slopes
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. OrderPerciformes
  2. FamilyPomacanthidae
  3. GenusCentropyge
  4. SpeciesCentropyge loriculus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Observation distance: Hover motionlessly near coral heads, as quick movements send them hiding into crevices.
  • Dusk viewing: Watch reef edges at twilight to witness their active courtship rituals and vertical spawning rises.
  • Reef etiquette: Avoid touching or kneeling on fragile stony corals while searching beneath reef overhangs.
Related species
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