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Bicolour Angel (Centropyge bicolor)

Bicolour Angel

Centropyge bicolor
Family
Angel
Care level
Intermediate
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Reef safe
Reef safe with caution
Max size
15 cm
Min tank
265 L · 70 gal
Origin
Indo-Pacific
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Nori, Marine pellets, Mysis, Spirulina, Angelfish frozen preps

Overview

The Bicolour Angel is a strikingly two-toned dwarf angelfish with a bright yellow front half and a deep blue-black rear half, one of the most visually bold and recognisable Centropyge species. It's a larger dwarf angel than many others in the genus, so it benefits from a bit more space than the smallest pygmy angels.

It has a reputation for being somewhat more challenging to acclimate than some other dwarf angels, occasionally being a slower or more selective feeder in the first weeks after introduction, so patience during this period is worthwhile.

Once settled and feeding confidently, it's a hardy, long-lived, and visually spectacular addition to a reef tank.

Compatibility

Bicolour Angels can be territorial toward other dwarf angels, particularly similarly shaped or coloured species, and are best kept as the only pygmy angel in small to medium tanks. They're generally peaceful with unrelated community fish, wrasses, and gobies.

Most individuals leave stony coral alone, but some will pick at LPS, zoanthids, or clam mantles, so this species is rated reef safe with caution.

Health & quarantine

This species can be slower to settle and start feeding confidently than some other dwarf angels, so a minimum four-week quarantine with close feeding observation is particularly important. Watch new arrivals closely in the first one to two weeks, offering a variety of foods to encourage feeding, and monitor for the ich and velvet symptoms common to stressed angelfish.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bicolour Angel harder to keep than other dwarf angels?
It can be a bit more challenging, with some individuals being slower or more selective feeders in the first weeks after import, so extra patience is worthwhile.
Is the Bicolour Angel reef safe?
Rated reef safe with caution — most leave stony coral alone but some individuals nip at LPS, zoanthids or clam mantles.
How big does a Bicolour Angel get?
Around 15cm, larger than many other dwarf angels, so it benefits from a bit more space.
What should I do if my new Bicolour Angel isn't eating?
Offer a variety of foods including live or frozen mysis and garlic-soaked pellets, and be patient during the first one to two weeks.
Can I keep a Bicolour Angel with other dwarf angels?
Only in a larger tank with plenty of rock to establish separate territories.

Care guidance is drawn from our own experience — every fish is an individual, so treat it as a starting point, not a guarantee. Not sure if a species suits your tank? Come ask us in store. New to the terms? Read the care-terms glossary.