🐠 Keyhole Angelfish (Centropyge tibicen)
🐠 Keyhole Angelfish (Centropyge tibicen)
Marine Angelfish • Coral Reef Grazer • Reef-Associated
📋 The Keyhole Angelfish (Centropyge tibicen) is a bold and eye-catching species easily recognized by its jet-black body contrasted with a bright white “keyhole” marking on its side. Its caudal fin glows in shades of yellow or blue, depending on the region, adding to its striking appearance.
Known for its confidence and active swimming, the Keyhole Angelfish is a great choice for intermediate aquarists. It adapts well to a variety of tank environments but does best in a mature setup with ample live rock for grazing and shelter.
This angelfish is hardy and relatively easy to care for, though it may show territorial tendencies, especially toward similar-shaped fish or other dwarf angelfish.
💡 Highlights
✨ Distinctive marking: bold white “keyhole” spot on deep black body
⚪ Hardy and adaptable: great choice for intermediate marine keepers
📏 Medium-sized dwarf angel: grows up to 18 cm (7")
✅ Active grazer: helps control algae and detritus
🐠 Striking display fish: adds color contrast and personality to reef tanks
🧾 A Quick Look at the Keyhole Angelfish
📛 Common Name: Keyhole Angelfish
🔬 Scientific Name: Centropyge tibicen
👨👩👧 Family: Pomacanthidae
🌍 Origin: Indo-Pacific (Philippines, Indonesia, Great Barrier Reef, Micronesia)
📏 Max Size: 18 cm (≈ 7")
💧 pH Range: 8.0 – 8.4
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Moderate
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial toward other dwarf angelfish
🪸 Reef Safe: ✅ Yes – with caution, may nip at some corals and clam mantles
🏠 Min Tank Size: 250 L (66 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Middle to lower regions
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes – sustainably collected Indo-Pacific stock
⏳ Lifespan: 7–10 years
🍽️ Diet: Omnivore (algae, marine sponges, mysis shrimp, prepared marine foods)
🐣 Reproduction: Egg-scatterers; pelagic spawners forming pairs in the wild
