Flame Angelfish

Photo: Andreas März from Darmstadt, Germany, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Flame Angelfish Care: A Fiery Favorite for Marine Aquariums

The Flame Angelfish is one of the most eye-catching dwarf angelfish in the reef hobby. With its intense red-orange body and bold black bars, this fish quickly becomes the visual centerpiece of many saltwater tanks. Before you bring one home, it’s important to understand its care needs, temperament, and reef compatibility so it can thrive long term.

Flame Angelfish Care Requirements

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) stay relatively small, usually 3–4 inches, making them suitable for many medium-sized marine aquariums. However, they are active swimmers and need room to explore rockwork and caves.

  • Minimum tank size: 55 gallons for a single specimen
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.024–1.026 specific gravity
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Diet: Omnivore; a mix of algae-based foods and quality marine proteins

Offer a varied diet that can include:

  • Spirulina-based pellets and flakes
  • Frozen mysis and brine shrimp
  • Enriched marine blends containing sponge and algae
  • Dried seaweed (nori) clipped to the glass

Tip: Multiple small feedings throughout the day help keep Flame Angelfish active, healthy, and less likely to nip at corals.

Temperament, Tank Mates, and Reef Safety

Flame Angelfish are generally semi-aggressive. They can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks, and may chase peaceful fish that occupy similar spaces in the rockwork.

Choosing Compatible Tank Mates

  • Peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish (clownfish, wrasses, gobies)
  • Avoid housing with larger, aggressive angels that may bully them
  • Keep only one Flame Angelfish per tank unless you have a very large, carefully planned system

Reef safety is the biggest question surrounding this species. Flame Angelfish are considered “reef with caution.” Some individuals ignore corals entirely, while others develop a taste for:

  • LPS corals with fleshy polyps
  • Zoanthids and palythoas
  • Clams and other sessile invertebrates

If your priority is a pristine coral display, be prepared for the possibility of nipping. Providing plenty of rockwork, frequent feedings, and natural grazing surfaces can reduce the risk.

Acclimation, Health, and Long-Term Success

Like many dwarf angels, Flame Angelfish can be sensitive during shipping and acclimation. Start with a healthy, alert fish that’s actively picking at food in the store or from a trusted online vendor.

  • Use a slow drip acclimation process to match temperature and salinity
  • Quarantine new arrivals for observation and parasite treatment if needed
  • Provide mature live rock for grazing and hiding spots
  • Maintain excellent water quality with regular testing and water changes

Stable parameters and a low-stress environment go a long way toward keeping this species vibrant and disease-free. For more stocking ideas, check out our guide to the best reef-safe fish for community tanks and our deep dive on dwarf angelfish care. If you’re building a new system around one of these stunning fish, our reef tank setup guide can help you plan rockwork and filtration for long-term success.

With the right preparation and environment, a Flame Angelfish can provide years of color and personality in your marine aquarium.