Centropyge acanthops (Norman, 1922)
Orangeback angelfish
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  8 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 6 - 40 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Indian Ocean: Somalia to East London, South Africa. Also around oceanic islands. Common off East Africa (Ref. 9710).
Diagnosis:  Head, upper sides, dorsal, and caudal fins golden yellow; lower two-thirds of the body and the anal fin black with numerous close-set purple spots.
Biology:  Inhabits areas with coral rubble and frequently occurs in small groups of up to about 10 individuals. Feeds on small invertebrates and algae (Ref. 5503). Spawns at sunset; male stimulating the emission of eggs with biting motions on female's abdomen; eggs released and abandoned in open water without any particular parental care (Ref. 5503). Popular aquarium fish in Natal. Occasionally exported from Kenya.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 26 January 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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