Care
The Yellowhead Angelfish is known from coral and rubble areas of outer reef slopes, to depths of 70m (230ft). This pygmy angelfish is encountered only around the Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Islands and is most commonly observed in small harems usually consisting of one dominant male, up to 5 mature females, and several juveniles. This rare export requires a mature aquarium with plenty of live rockwork, on which it can graze for the microalgae, and in which it can hide. Unfortunately, like many other dwarf angelfish, this species is known to occasionally pick on zoanthids and LPS corals so caution is advised when adding to a reef set up; the larger the tank, the better, as the fish is then less likely to continually pick at any particular sessile invertebrate and cause irreparable damage. A frequent, varied feeding regime will also help in this respect. Like most other members of the
Centropyge genus, the Yellowhead Angelfish does not grow very large, but nevertheless, it is an active species which requires plenty of space. Unless the aquarium is of XL proportions, only one specimen should be housed per tank, and not with any other
Centropyge species. If the aquarium is spacious enough, it is possible to keep a compatible male-female pair if they are added simultaneously. However, this should only ever be attempted by advanced aquarists who have the means to separate the fish if a problem arises. Good filtration, along with decent water movement to generate high levels of oxygenation, are a must. This is a territorial species that will behave pugnaciously when newcomers are added to the tank after it has become established (particularly small placid fish) and so we advise that when planning on including a Yellowhead Angelfish in your stock list, it should be the last fish that is added to the aquarium. Juvenile fish sport a very bright ocellus on the posterior of the dorsal fin, just above the caudal peduncle, a tactic used to confuse predators. The adult colour pattern is similar to that of its relative, the Bicolor Angelfish (
C. bicolor), although the Yellowhead is comparatively much hardier once acclimatised; the main downside being only the high price tag it tends to command. May also be seen on sale as the Cocos Islands Pygmy Angelfish or Joculator Angelfish.
Feeding
Should be offered a varied diet including Spirulina & marine algae as well as meaty fare such as vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, special sponge-based Angelfish preparations, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel. Feed small amounts at least 3 times per day. Fish that are well-fed are more likely to leave invertebrate life alone.
Breeding
Occasional spawnings have been reported in the home aquarium, although there are no reports of successfully rearing the young once the eggs have hatched. Dwarf angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and milt simultaneously into the water column at dusk. There are reports of this species being successfully bred on a commercial basis.
