Eibli Angelfish – Centropyge eibli

Quarantine and Conditioning Started on 9/18 - Release Date: 10/8
If you wish to purchase this fish before the release date we will hold the fish for you. Let us know your desired ship date. If there is an issue during the Quarantine process, we will issue a refund.

The Eibli Angelfish (Centropyge eibli) is a colorful dwarf angelfish native to the eastern Indian Ocean. Also known as Eibl’s Angelfish and the Blacktail Angelfish, it combines a pale cream to gray body with narrow orange-brown vertical markings, warm orange coloration along the lower body and fins, and a dramatically contrasting dark tail edged in pale blue.

Centropyge eibli occurs from Sri Lanka and the Andaman Islands through Indonesia to Western Australia. Within Indonesia, FishBase documents the species from areas including Bali, the Mentawai Islands, Maumere Bay, Pulau Seribu and Pulau Weh. FishBase

In nature, Eibli Angelfish inhabit rocky areas of seaward reefs as well as coral-rich reef environments, with FishBase recording the species at depths of approximately 3–30 meters (10–98 feet). Algae are an important component of the natural diet, and the fish have been observed living in small harems of approximately three to seven individuals. FishBase

Reaching a maximum recorded length of approximately 5.9 inches (15 cm), the Eibli Angelfish is considerably smaller than large Pomacanthus angelfish but still requires adequate swimming room and established rockwork. Its natural grazing behavior makes a mature aquarium with algae-bearing surfaces especially appropriate. FishBase

This Indonesian specimen is offered as one of Dr. Mac’s Quarantined and Conditioned Fish.

Care Guide

Scientific Name: Centropyge eibli Klausewitz, 1963
Common Name: Eibli Angelfish
Other Common Names: Eibl’s Angelfish, Blacktail Angelfish, Orange Stripe Angelfish
Family: Pomacanthidae
Origin: Indonesia
Availability: Conditioned & Quarantined
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution
Minimum Aquarium Size: 70 gallons recommended
Maximum Size: Approximately 5.9 inches (15 cm total length) FishBase
Diet: Omnivorous grazer with a strong algal component
Temperature: 75–80°F
Specific Gravity: 1.023–1.026
pH: 8.1–8.4

Aquarium Requirements: Provide a mature marine aquarium with extensive rockwork, caves and crevices for shelter along with adequate open swimming space. Established live rock also provides surfaces for natural grazing behavior.

Diet and Feeding: FishBase specifically documents algae as a natural food of C. eibli. FishBase In captivity, provide a varied diet incorporating marine algae and spirulina-based foods along with quality marine angelfish preparations and appropriately sized meaty foods such as mysis shrimp. A varied diet is preferable to relying heavily on any single food.

Temperament: Eibli Angelfish can become territorial, particularly toward other dwarf angelfish or similarly shaped fishes. Provide adequate space and hiding areas when maintaining the species in a community aquarium. Interestingly, FishBase reports that wild C. eibli may form small harems of three to seven fish. FishBase

Reef Compatibility: Reef compatible with caution. As with other Centropyge angelfish, individuals should be monitored around corals and other sessile invertebrates. For a coral display aquarium, I would not describe the species as completely reef safe.

Natural Habitat: The Eibli Angelfish is reef-associated and inhabits rocky seaward reefs and coral-rich areas at approximately 3–30 meters depth. FishBase

Interesting Natural History: Where their ranges overlap, FishBase documents natural hybridization between C. eibli and the closely related Centropyge vrolikii. Hybridization with C. flavissima has also been recorded around Christmas Island and the Cocos-Keeling Islands.