Dr. Hiroyuki Tanaka, Japan
Info
Centropyge ferrugata or Rusty Angelfish is aptly named for its predominate red or amber coloration punctuated with black dots that decrease in size from dorsal to anal and pelvic fins. The anal fin is dark and both the dorsal and anal fins are rimmed in bright, sapphire-blue.
Centropyge ferrugata requires at least a tank with large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. Centropyge ferrugata is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, not a good reef dweller. Like all Centropyge consume Centropyge ferrugata a considerable amount of microalgae and detritus, therefore it pays to not be too meticulous in keeping their system to clean. It is best kept as the only Dwarf Angelfish in the tank.
The diet of Centropyge ferrugata should include marine algae, angelfish preparations, mysid shrimp, and other meaty foods.
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.
Centropyge ferrugata requires at least a tank with large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. Centropyge ferrugata is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, not a good reef dweller. Like all Centropyge consume Centropyge ferrugata a considerable amount of microalgae and detritus, therefore it pays to not be too meticulous in keeping their system to clean. It is best kept as the only Dwarf Angelfish in the tank.
The diet of Centropyge ferrugata should include marine algae, angelfish preparations, mysid shrimp, and other meaty foods.
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.
