Description

The Bicolour Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor) is a striking fish with a vibrant yellow front half and a deep blue rear, separated by a sharp line. It’s a popular choice for experienced saltwater aquarium keepers. Here’s a care guide tailored for your location in Caboolture, Queensland, Australia:

Care Level: Moderate to Difficult. They can be sensitive and require specific conditions.

Size: They can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length.

Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons (approximately 284 liters) is highly recommended for a single Bicolour Angelfish. Larger tanks are better to provide ample swimming space and territories.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72-78F (22-26C). Consistent temperatures are crucial. You’ll likely need a heater during cooler months in Queensland and monitor closely during hot summer months to prevent overheating.
• Salinity: 1.020-1.025 specific gravity. Use a refractometer for accurate readings.
• pH: 8.1-8.4
• Alkalinity: 8-12 dKH
• Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
• Phosphate: Below 0.1 ppm
• Maintain stable water parameters through regular testing and significant weekly water changes using high-quality saltwater mix and RODI (reverse osmosis deionized) water. Tap water in Queensland can be harmful to marine life.

Temperament and Tank Mates:

• Semi-aggressive: Bicolour Angelfish can be territorial, especially towards other dwarf angelfish and similar-shaped or colored fish.
• Best kept singly unless in a very large tank (150+ gallons) with established territories, and introduced simultaneously as juveniles.
• Reef Safe with Caution: They are known to nip at various corals (soft, stony, and LPS), as well as clams and other sessile invertebrates. They are best kept in fish-only with live rock (FOWLR) tanks or with less sensitive corals.
• Suitable Tank Mates:
  • Larger, more robust fish that won’t be intimidated.
  • Tangs
  • Large Wrasses
  • Damselfish (some species)
  • Larger Lionfish
• Avoid:
  • Other dwarf angelfish (unless in a very large tank).
  • Peaceful, slow-swimming fish (may be harassed).
  • Small invertebrates if you want to keep a reef tank.

Diet:

• Omnivorous: Their natural diet includes small crustaceans, algae, sponges, worms, and sometimes corals.
• In the aquarium, provide a varied diet rich in vegetable matter:
  • High-quality marine flake or pellet food containing spirulina and marine algae.
  • Frozen foods containing algae, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp (vitamin-enriched).
  • Offer fresh or dried seaweed (nori) regularly.
  • A well-established tank with plenty of live rock for grazing is beneficial.
  • Some may accept finely chopped meaty foods.
• Feed 2-3 times daily.

Aquarium Setup:

• Ample Live Rock: Essential for providing grazing opportunities, hiding places, and establishing territories. Arrange rockwork to create caves and crevices.
• Open Swimming Space: While they appreciate hiding spots, they also need open areas to swim.
• Established Tank: They do best in well-established aquariums (at least 6 months old) with stable parameters and natural algae growth.
• Substrate: A substrate is not critical but can provide foraging opportunities.

Important Considerations for Caboolture, Queensland:

• Temperature Stability: Monitor and maintain stable water temperatures year-round.
• Water Quality: Use only RODI water for mixing saltwater and top-offs.
• Acclimation: Acclimate them slowly and carefully to your tank’s parameters.
• Quarantine: A quarantine tank is highly recommended to monitor their health and feeding before introducing them to the main display.
• Observation: Closely observe their feeding habits, as they can sometimes be finicky eaters, especially when first introduced.

Keeping a Bicolour Angelfish can be rewarding due to its stunning appearance, but it requires careful planning regarding tank mates and a commitment to maintaining excellent water quality and a varied diet. Their potential for nipping corals makes them a “reef-safe with caution” species at best.