Pygmy Angelfish (Cherub)

Also known as the Cherub Angelfish or Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish

The Pygmy Angelfish, commonly called the Cherub Angelfish, is a charming dwarf angelfish species featuring a deep blue body with distinctive orange to yellow facial markings and fin accents. Native to the Western Atlantic and Caribbean, this small and peaceful angelfish is among the hardiest and most beginner-friendly dwarf angels available, combining vibrant coloration with manageable size and relatively peaceful temperament, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of marine aquariums.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Centropyge argi
• Common Names: Pygmy Angelfish, Cherub Angelfish, Cherubfish, Atlantic Pygmy Angelfish
• Adult Size: Up to 3 inches (one of the smallest angelfish)
• Lifespan: 5–8+ years with proper care
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive; generally less territorial than most dwarf angels
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – may occasionally nip at coral polyps and clam mantles, but generally less destructive than most Centropyge species
• Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons preferred
• Experience Level: Beginner to intermediate

Habitat & Tank Requirements

• Tank Environment: Provide ample live rock with caves, crevices, and hiding spots. Pygmy Angels appreciate complex rockwork for grazing and security, though their small size means they don’t require the extensive territories larger angels need.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025
  • pH: 8.1–8.4
  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
  • Nitrate: <20 ppm
  • dKH: 8–12
• Aquascape: Dense live rock formations with natural algae growth are beneficial for grazing and providing shelter. Multiple small caves and crevices suit their diminutive size and provide security.
• Compatibility: Generally peaceful and less aggressive than most dwarf angels. Can coexist with a wide variety of peaceful to semi-aggressive species including clownfish, gobies, small wrasses, cardinalfish, dottybacks, and even other peaceful dwarf angels in appropriately sized tanks (55+ gallons). Their small size and peaceful nature make them vulnerable to aggressive tank mates, avoid housing with territorial or predatory fish. Can sometimes be kept in pairs or small groups in tanks 40+ gallons if introduced simultaneously.

Diet & Feeding

Pygmy Angelfish are omnivores requiring a varied diet with both algae and meaty foods:

• Plant Matter: Marine algae, spirulina, finely shredded nori sheets, high-quality herbivore pellets and flakes
• Meaty Foods: Mysis shrimp, vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, finely chopped seafood, copepods, quality marine pellets and flakes
• Specialty Items: Foods containing sponge material (beneficial for long-term health and coloration)
• Natural Grazing: Will actively pick at microalgae, film algae, and detritus on live rock throughout the day, this natural foraging behavior is important for their well-being
• Commercial Foods: High-quality dwarf angelfish preparations, frozen angel formulas (ensure pieces are appropriately sized for their small mouths)
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 times daily in small portions. Due to their small size and active metabolism, frequent small feedings are ideal.

Notes & Considerations

• Behavior: Pygmy Angels are active, visible, and engaging once established. They constantly explore rockwork, grazing and investigating crevices. Initially may be shy for a day or two after introduction, but quickly become bold and curious. Among the most peaceful dwarf angelfish, display minimal territorial aggression compared to species like Flames, Lemonpeels, or Coral Beauties. Their diminutive size and gentle nature make them endearing aquarium residents.
• Size Advantage: As one of the smallest marine angelfish species (reaching only 3 inches), Pygmy Angels are ideal for nano reef systems, smaller aquariums, and community tanks where larger angels would be inappropriate. Their compact size also makes them less intimidating to peaceful tank mates.
• Coloration: Features deep sapphire blue body coloration with bright orange to yellow facial markings around the eyes and mouth, plus orange to yellow highlights on the fins. The vibrant blue and orange contrast creates a jewel-like appearance. Coloration intensity varies with diet and water quality, well-maintained specimens display the most saturated colors.
• Hardiness: Considered one of the hardiest dwarf angelfish species. Atlantic/Caribbean origin fish are generally more robust and easier to maintain than many Indo-Pacific angels. Pygmy Angels adapt well to captive life, handle shipping stress relatively well, and are forgiving of minor water parameter fluctuations, making them excellent choices for less experienced marine aquarists.
• Coral Compatibility: Generally more reef-safe than most dwarf angels. While they may occasionally sample coral polyps, zoanthids, or clam mantles, they typically cause minimal damage. Many reef aquarists successfully keep Pygmy Angels with diverse coral collections. Best success with SPS corals and hardy soft corals; use caution with prized LPS specimens and high-value clams. Individual behavior varies, but overall reef compatibility is good compared to species like Lemonpeels or Bicolor Angels.
• Acclimation: Generally easy to acclimate. Proper drip acclimation and stable water parameters ensure smooth transition. Most specimens adapt quickly with minimal hiding periods. Their hardiness makes initial acclimation significantly less stressful than with delicate species.
• Feeding Response: Typically excellent. Most Pygmy Angels readily accept prepared foods immediately and are not picky eaters. This eager feeding response is a major advantage for beginners. Ensure food particle size is appropriate for their small mouths.
• Gender: Sexual dimorphism is minimal and difficult to observe externally. Pygmy Angels are protogynous hermaphrodites (females can transform into males). Males may be slightly larger with more intense coloration, but this is unreliable for sexing. Captive breeding has been documented but remains rare.
• Atlantic Origin: Unlike most popular dwarf angels that originate from the Indo-Pacific, Pygmy Angels are Atlantic/Caribbean species. This different biogeographic origin contributes to their distinct hardiness profile and makes them an interesting alternative to Indo-Pacific species.
• Disease Susceptibility: Relatively resistant to common marine diseases compared to more delicate dwarf angels. While still susceptible to marine ich (Cryptocaryon) and velvet (Amyloodinium) under stress, they generally show better disease resistance than species like Potter’s or Multibar Angels. Quarantine is still recommended as best practice.
• Social Behavior: Can sometimes be kept in pairs or small groups if tank size permits (40+ gallons minimum) and fish are introduced simultaneously. Success rates for group keeping are higher than with more aggressive dwarf angels. Observe aggression and be prepared to separate if conflicts develop.
• Availability & Pricing: Generally readily available and affordably priced compared to rare species like Potter’s or Multibar Angels. The combination of availability, affordability, hardiness, and beauty makes them excellent value for marine aquarists.
• Beginner-Friendly: Often recommended as one of the best “first angelfish” for marine aquarists due to: small size, peaceful temperament, hardiness, easy feeding, reasonable reef compatibility, and forgiving nature. Represents an excellent introduction to keeping dwarf angelfish.
• Activity Level: Highly active and constantly on the move, darting in and out of rockwork and grazing throughout the day. Their energetic behavior adds life and movement to the aquarium.
• Longevity: While smaller than many angels, they can live 5–8+ years with proper care, providing years of enjoyment.
• Tank Maturity: Can be successfully added to relatively young systems (2–3+ months old) due to their hardiness and adaptability, though they still appreciate mature live rock with natural food sources.

Why Choose a Quarantined Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish?

Our quarantined Pygmy Angelfish are carefully checked for health, free of parasites, and eating well before sale. Although this fish is tough and easy to keep, the quarantine helps ensure it’s healthy, stress-free, and ready to adapt to your tank. It has bright colors, a peaceful nature, and is small and hardy, making it great for aquarists of all experience levels. Our quarantine process gives you a strong, healthy fish that will bring joy for years.