Pearl Scale Angel

Overview

The Pearl Scale Angel, also known as the Half-black Angelfish, has a distinctive two-tone body — a pale, finely speckled pearl-white front half giving way to a solid dark rear half and tail. It's a hardy, adaptable dwarf angel that tends to acclimate and feed confidently, making it a good introduction to the Centropyge group.

Its calm demeanour and manageable adult size make it a popular choice for reef keepers wanting angelfish colour and personality without the more demanding requirements of larger Pomacanthus species.

As with all dwarf angels, individual reef compatibility varies, so behaviour with corals should be monitored after introduction rather than assumed to be entirely safe.

Compatibility

Pearl Scale Angels can be territorial toward other dwarf angels, especially similarly shaped or coloured species, and are best kept as the only pygmy angel in small to medium tanks. They are 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 is one of the hardier dwarf angels, generally tolerating quarantine and acclimation well. A standard minimum four-week quarantine with observation for ich and velvet symptoms is recommended, though new arrivals of this species usually begin feeding within the first few days.