| Bicolor angelfish or Centropyge bicolor are a part of | | | | they are to come to realize that many of its |
| the family Pomacanthidae. This is but one of the 74 | | | | inhabitants are prime menu choices in the wild. Adult |
| species of cataloged marine angelfish ranging in size | | | | bicolors spend an exorbitant amount of time grazing |
| from under 3 inches to over 16 in length. This species | | | | on the naturally occurring algae growing on live rocks. |
| is widespread throughout the Pacific Ocean with the | | | | An abundance of cure live rock is mandatory for |
| notable exclusion of the Hawaiian Islands. Significant | | | | keeping this species vigorous and healthy as adults. A |
| populations can be found can be found off the coats | | | | well feed angel fish will be far less likely to nibble on a |
| of Fiji, New Caledonia, New Guinea, as well as | | | | coral or crustacean and discover a tasty new treat. |
| throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Bicolors are most | | | | A minimum tank size of 50 gallons is recommended |
| often seen in pairs or small aggregations in brackish | | | | for this species. Angelfish are more sensitive to |
| lagoon water and along reefs slopes at depths | | | | unhealthy water parameters than many marine |
| ranging from 10 to 80 feet. | | | | species. Due diligence should be practiced in |
| This is one of the larger dwarf angles, growing to as | | | | maintaining clean, clear water. Under premium |
| long as 6 inches in length as an adult. The anterior | | | | conditions you can expect these fish to live up to 12 |
| body region and caudal fins of these are canary | | | | years of age. |
| yellow. Their posteriors are royal purple or blue | | | | This is an omnivorous species. Like many angelfish, |
| sometimes with thin, barely perceptible, vertical bars | | | | this species diet changes considerably between |
| that are only slightly lighter in color than the posterior | | | | juveniles and adults. Juveniles feed primarily on |
| coloration. These fish also have a single purple bar | | | | plankton. Newly hatched brine shrimp mixed with |
| that starts at one eye and loops around the top of | | | | increasing amounts of flake, frozen or freeze-dried |
| their head and then terminates at the other eye. This | | | | food will help them become accustomed to nonliving |
| fish is also marketed by the aquarium trade under | | | | food items. An adult's diet consists of algae, worms |
| the name Oriole Angel. | | | | and small crustaceans and clams in their natural |
| Bicolor angelfish carry a moderate care level. They | | | | habitat. A high quality marine preparation specially |
| can be successfully raised by aquarists of | | | | formulated for marine angels will make an ideal staple. |
| intermediate skill levels. This is among the most | | | | Their diet can be further supplemented with fresh |
| peaceful of the commercially available angelfish | | | | chopped crustacean, mollusks, dried or frozen algae |
| varieties. They make wonderful additions to a | | | | and table vegetables such as spinach, zucchini and |
| multi-species aquarium provided they are housed with | | | | yellow squash. Once again, an abundance of cured |
| fish of similar size and temperament. Angles often | | | | live rock will help insure their nutritional needs are |
| demonstrate territorial aggression toward conspecifics | | | | properly addressed. |
| and similar looking species. Bicolors can be kept | | | | The males and females of this species are virtually |
| together if they are introduced to an aquarium | | | | identical in size and coloration. This may be because |
| simultaneously as young juveniles. This will allow them | | | | they are protogynous synchronous hermaphrodites. |
| to grow up in a small community rather than being | | | | All fish will initially develop into females. Should |
| introduced to a member of the same species after | | | | prorogation of the species demand it, the largest |
| they have had a chance to establish territorial | | | | most dominant female will transform into a male. |
| boundaries. As with any family, intermediate | | | | Several juveniles introduced into an aquarium |
| squabbling may still occur on occasion. This species is | | | | together will result in a single male and a harem of |
| rated reef safe with caution. The younger they are | | | | females. This fish has been known to breed in |
| when added to marine reef aquarium, the less likely | | | | captivity, but reported incidents are rare. |