Keyhole Angelfish

Overview

The Keyhole Angelfish is a striking dark blue-black dwarf angel with a distinctive pale, keyhole-shaped patch on its upper flank, and grows a little larger than many other Centropyge species. It's one of the bolder, more assertive members of the dwarf angel group, with a confident personality to match its size.

It's a hardy species that adapts well to aquarium life once acclimated, though its larger size and stronger temperament mean it needs a bit more space and thought around tankmates than some of the smaller pygmy angels.

Given adequate room and a varied diet, it's a long-lived, striking centrepiece for a reef tank without stepping up to the size requirements of a true large angelfish.

Compatibility

Keyhole Angelfish can be more assertive than many other dwarf angels, showing territorial aggression toward other angelfish and sometimes toward similarly shaped or coloured community fish. It's best kept as the only pygmy angel in the tank, with ample rockwork to establish a clear territory.

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

Health & quarantine

Standard dwarf angel quarantine protocols apply: a minimum of four weeks with close observation for ich or velvet symptoms, and confirmation the fish is eating well before considering it settled. This species is generally hardy once established, though its larger size means adequate swimming room is important for long-term condition.