François Libert, Frankreich
Info
Centropyge vrolikii (Bleeker, 1853)
Centropyge vrolikii, also known as the Half black dwarf angel and Pearlscale dwarf angel. He has a striking coloration and has no distinguishable differences in color between male to female. Centropyge vrolikii has been found from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to as far as southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island and has also been recorded from Tonga for the first time in 2004.
Centropyge vrolikii may act semi-aggressively toward other fish but able to get along with other Dwarf Angels in a tank, due to territoriality. The Pearlscale Angelfish have been noted to be protogynous hermaphrodites with 'haremic' social system. Wild Half blacks live in harems consisting of a single male and several females. Large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing will offer an optimal environment. Centropyge vrolikii are usually quite safe in the reef aquarium and normally leave corals and shrimps alone. However, this one does sometimes pick at large-polyped corals and the mantles of clams, so it's worth excercising caution.
It will spend its day happily grazing on bits of algae growing on live rock and other aquarium decorations. As most kind of the genus Centropyge it will best feed on marine algae, angelfish preparations, mysid or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.
Sex and mating
The $lat are female from birth. If two fish are put together, then the more dominant animal becomes the male (=protogyne hermaphrodite).
It is best to put two fish of different sizes at the same time. If a fish is already present, then the new fish should be either much smaller or larger. If a larger fish is added, which would be an advantage, then the internal aggression is not as pronounced. The difference in size can be an advantage when pairing up, but there will still be scuffles until the sexing is complete.
In nature,dwarf emperors live in pairs or in harem groups, i.e., one male with several females, usually among coral reefs.
Reefsafe
Anyone who purchases a $lat must expect that this LPS will nibble on or damage SPS corals, giant clams, and gorgonians. Of course, there may be differences depending on the individual animal, which is repeatedly reported in many forums. In terms of its general diet, $lat feeds mainly on algae, small invertebrates, and sponges. Nibbling is in the fish's genes, so it is just as common in captive-bred fish as it is in wild-caught fish. Perhaps not quite as strongly.
Keeping the fish in pairs can sometimes help, but it can also cause even more damage by imitating the partner.
If the coral is growing very well or has reached a certain size, the damage caused by nibbling should be tolerable.
Synonymised names
Centropyge vrolicki (Bleeker, 1853) · unaccepted (misspelling)
Centropyge vroliki (Bleeker, 1853) · unaccepted
Holacanthus vrolikii Bleeker, 1853 · unaccepted
Centropyge vrolikii, also known as the Half black dwarf angel and Pearlscale dwarf angel. He has a striking coloration and has no distinguishable differences in color between male to female. Centropyge vrolikii has been found from Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to as far as southern Japan and south to Lord Howe Island and has also been recorded from Tonga for the first time in 2004.
Centropyge vrolikii may act semi-aggressively toward other fish but able to get along with other Dwarf Angels in a tank, due to territoriality. The Pearlscale Angelfish have been noted to be protogynous hermaphrodites with 'haremic' social system. Wild Half blacks live in harems consisting of a single male and several females. Large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing will offer an optimal environment. Centropyge vrolikii are usually quite safe in the reef aquarium and normally leave corals and shrimps alone. However, this one does sometimes pick at large-polyped corals and the mantles of clams, so it's worth excercising caution.
It will spend its day happily grazing on bits of algae growing on live rock and other aquarium decorations. As most kind of the genus Centropyge it will best feed on marine algae, angelfish preparations, mysid or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.
Sex and mating
The $lat are female from birth. If two fish are put together, then the more dominant animal becomes the male (=protogyne hermaphrodite).
It is best to put two fish of different sizes at the same time. If a fish is already present, then the new fish should be either much smaller or larger. If a larger fish is added, which would be an advantage, then the internal aggression is not as pronounced. The difference in size can be an advantage when pairing up, but there will still be scuffles until the sexing is complete.
In nature,dwarf emperors live in pairs or in harem groups, i.e., one male with several females, usually among coral reefs.
Reefsafe
Anyone who purchases a $lat must expect that this LPS will nibble on or damage SPS corals, giant clams, and gorgonians. Of course, there may be differences depending on the individual animal, which is repeatedly reported in many forums. In terms of its general diet, $lat feeds mainly on algae, small invertebrates, and sponges. Nibbling is in the fish's genes, so it is just as common in captive-bred fish as it is in wild-caught fish. Perhaps not quite as strongly.
Keeping the fish in pairs can sometimes help, but it can also cause even more damage by imitating the partner.
If the coral is growing very well or has reached a certain size, the damage caused by nibbling should be tolerable.
Synonymised names
Centropyge vrolicki (Bleeker, 1853) · unaccepted (misspelling)
Centropyge vroliki (Bleeker, 1853) · unaccepted
Holacanthus vrolikii Bleeker, 1853 · unaccepted
