Midnight Angelfish – (Centropyge nox)

 

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Reef Safe: Yes
• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
• Maximum Size: 4 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F, specific gravity 1.020-1.025

Comprehensive Guide: Midnight Angelfish – Centropyge nox

Habitat

The Midnight Angelfish, also known as Centropyge nox, is found in the Western Pacific Ocean, specifically around the Philippines and Indonesia. It inhabits coral reefs, usually at depths between 20 to 60 feet.

Reef Safe

The Midnight Angelfish is known to be reef safe as it generally leaves corals and other invertebrates undisturbed. However, caution should be exercised when introducing it to a reef tank with small ornamental shrimp, as it may view them as potential food.

Size

The Midnight Angelfish grows to a maximum size of around 4 inches, making it suitable for smaller saltwater aquariums.

Temperament

This species has a semi-aggressive temperament. It may become territorial and may exhibit aggression towards other similar-sized or smaller fish in the tank. Introducing it to the tank last or rearranging tank decorations can help reduce aggression.

Sexual Dimorphism

There is no visible sexual dimorphism in the Midnight Angelfish, making it challenging to determine the sex of an individual without genetic testing.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Midnight Angelfish is around 5 to 8 years in a well-maintained saltwater aquarium.

Diet in Aquariums

In the aquarium, the Midnight Angelfish is an omnivorous species. Its diet should include a variety of high-quality marine-based flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and spirulina. Offering a balanced diet is essential for their overall health and coloration.

Aquascaping Recommendations

Creating a well-structured aquarium with plenty of hiding places, live rock formations, and corals is recommended for the Midnight Angelfish. This will provide them with shelter and spaces for exploration. Incorporating caves or crevices will also help to alleviate any territorial tendencies.

Captive Bred Availability

The Midnight Angelfish (Centropyge nox) is not commonly available as a captive-bred species. Most specimens available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

The Midnight Angelfish can be kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive fish species in a well-sized aquarium. Good tankmates for the Midnight Angelfish include:

1. Pajama Cardinalfish: Peaceful and small size, making them compatible tankmates.
2. Firefish Goby: Peaceful and occupies different areas of the tank.
3. Yellow Watchman Goby: Peaceful and helps with sand sifting.
4. Bicolor Blenny: Peaceful and adds variety to the tank’s coloration.
5. Royal Gramma: Peaceful and occupies different levels of the tank.

Other Common Names

The Midnight Angelfish is also known as the Midnight Pygmy Angelfish or the Black Pygmy Angelfish.

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Popular Questions and Answers:

Q: What should I do if my Midnight Angelfish becomes aggressive towards tankmates?

A: If aggression becomes an issue, try rearranging tank decorations to disrupt established territories. Adding tankmates of a larger size or introducing the Midnight Angelfish last may also help reduce aggression.

Q: Can I keep the Midnight Angelfish in a smaller tank?

A: While the minimum recommended tank size for the Midnight Angelfish is 30 gallons, providing a larger tank with more swimming space is always beneficial and can help prevent territorial disputes.

Q: Is the Midnight Angelfish prone to any specific diseases?

A: Like other saltwater fish, the Midnight Angelfish can be susceptible to common marine diseases such as ich (white spot disease) and marine velvet. Maintaining proper water quality, a balanced diet, and quarantine protocols for new additions can help prevent disease outbreaks.

Q: Can the Midnight Angelfish be kept in a fish-only tank without live rock or corals?

A: Yes, the Midnight Angelfish can be kept in a fish-only tank without live rock or corals. However, providing hiding places and structures mimicking natural environments will still benefit their overall well-being.

Q: How often should I feed my Midnight Angelfish?

A: It is recommended to feed the Midnight Angelfish small amounts multiple times a day. This replicates their natural feeding patterns and helps ensure they receive proper nutrition.