Herald’s Angelfish (Centropyge heraldi) Herald’s Angelfish, Centropyge heraldi, is a bright and attractive dwarf marine angelfish, recognised for its vivid yellow to yellow-orange body, subtle darker facial patch and active grazing behaviour. Also commonly known as the Yellow Angelfish or Herald’s Dwarf Angelfish, this species brings strong colour and movement to mature marine aquariums. It is generally hardy once settled, but like most dwarf angelfish it should be treated as reef safe with caution because individual fish may nip at some corals, sessile invertebrates or clam mantles. Common Name:Herald’s Angelfish, Herald’s Angel, Yellow Angelfish, Yellow Dwarf Angelfish, Herald’s Dwarf Angelfish. Scientific Name (Latin):Centropyge heraldi Maximum Size:Around 12 cm, making it a medium-sized dwarf angelfish that needs good rockwork and swimming space. Water Type:Marine Origin / Natural Habitat:Found across the Indo-Pacific, including areas from Sri Lanka and Bali through the Indo-Malay region to the Marshall Islands. In the wild, Herald’s Angelfish inhabit steep outer reef slopes and occasional lagoon reefs, where they spend much of the day grazing algae and reef-surface growths from rockwork and coral-rich areas. They may form small haremic groups in nature, but in most home aquariums a single specimen is usually the safest choice. Water Parameters:Temperature: 24–27°CpH Range: 8.1–8.4Hardness or Salinity: SG 1.020–1.025 Temperament:Semi-aggressive. Herald’s Angelfish are usually manageable in suitably sized aquariums, but they can become territorial once settled, especially towards other dwarf angelfish, similarly shaped fish or very timid tank mates. Best kept with peaceful to moderately robust marine fish rather than delicate species that may be easily intimidated. Diet:Primarily herbivorous grazer with omnivorous tendencies. In the wild, this species feeds heavily on algae and reef-surface growths. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet including marine algae sheets, spirulina flakes, herbivore pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, enriched brineshrimp, finely chopped seafood and high-quality angelfish preparations. A mature aquarium with established live rock for grazing is strongly recommended. Minimum Tank Size:A practical minimum of around 250 litres is recommended for a single specimen, with larger aquariums preferred for reef systems or if keeping with other assertive fish. Provide mature live rock, caves, overhangs and plenty of territory breaks. Behaviour & Activity:An active daytime grazer that spends much of its time weaving through rockwork, exploring caves and picking at algae films from reef surfaces. It can be shy when first introduced, but usually becomes bolder once settled. Herald’s Angelfish appreciate mature aquascapes with natural grazing surfaces and multiple hiding areas. A secure lid is recommended, as startled marine fish can jump. Reef Safe:Reef Safe with CautionHerald’s Angelfish can be kept in reef aquariums, but individual behaviour varies. Some specimens may ignore corals, while others may nip at soft corals, fleshy LPS corals, SPS polyps, zoanthids, sessile invertebrates or clam mantles. Keeping the fish well fed and providing natural algae grazing can reduce risk, but it cannot remove it completely. Special Requirements or Care Notes:Best added to a mature marine aquarium with plenty of established live rock and grazing surfaces. Avoid keeping with aggressive dwarf angelfish or very similar species unless the aquarium is large enough to provide separate territories. Monitor carefully in reef aquariums, especially around fleshy corals, zoanthids and clams. Colour can vary slightly between individuals, with some showing a stronger yellow-orange tone and darker facial shading. Suitable for:Intermediate fishkeepers Availability:Occasionally available in the marine aquarium trade / Availability can vary depending on collection, import, size and supplier All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.
