Centropyge acanthops, commonly known as the Orangeback angelfish, is a small and colourful angelfish. They've the typical Centropyge body shape, with a dark blue base colour and an orange head, back and dorsal fin. Around the eyes and pelvic, dorsal and anal fin they’ve an electric blue line. This species looks very similar to C. aurantonotus, but the caudal fin from C. acanthops is yellowish-orange, compared to blue in C. aurantonotus. Like all other angelfish it's hermphroditic and the most dominant fish will turn into a male when there is no other male around. One of the less peaceful Centropyge, although this varies per individual. Be careful combining them with fish a lot smaller or larger and other (dwarf)angelfishes. Although dwarf angels are certainly more likely to be reef safe compared to their larger relatives and thus seen more often in reef tank, they're always a risk. Acanthops is considered one of the safer options, but even here individuals are known to harass certain corals (usually LPS or clams) to the point they can't be combined anymore. Keeping them well fed seems to reduce the risk, so make sure to feed them a proper varied diet of algae and meaty foods to make them really happy!
