How difficult is it to keep Japanese pygmy angelfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Japanese pygmy angelfish?

The ideal temperature for Japanese pygmy angelfish is 19〜24℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Japanese pygmy angelfish get?

Japanese pygmy angelfish typically reaches Up to 15 cm TL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Japanese pygmy angelfish?

Japanese pygmy angelfish feeds on: Omnivore (algae, small invertebrates, sponges). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Japanese pygmy angelfish?

The price of Japanese pygmy angelfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Japanese pygmy angelfish

Intermediate

Centropyge interrupta

A dwarf angelfish with an orange body scattered with blue-purple spots and a bright yellow tail. A temperate species from rocky reefs around Japan, it grows unusually large for its genus, to about 15 cm.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

19〜24℃

Size

Up to 15 cm TL

Diet

Omnivore (algae, small invertebrates, sponges)

About

The Japanese pygmy angelfish (Centropyge interrupta) ranges along the Pacific coast of southern and central Japan and in the northwestern Hawaiian Islands (Midway and Kure) (FishBase), and is common around the Izu and Ogasawara islands. FishBase classes it as temperate: it lives in pairs on algae-covered rocky and coral reefs at 12-60 m. At up to 15 cm TL it is large for a Centropyge. The body is orange with blue-purple spots that become larger and more purple towards the tail, and the tail is bright yellow. The older spelling Centropyge interruptus is still widely used. Captive-bred fish are increasingly available, and it is worth asking what temperature a fish has been kept at before buying. It grazes rock surfaces, so an established tank with plenty of live rock suits it. It is scarce in the Japanese trade, and domestically bred fish are also sold.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Japanese pygmy angelfish

The Japanese pygmy angelfish grows to Up to 15 cm TL.

Temperature & humidity for the Japanese pygmy angelfish

The ideal temperature for the Japanese pygmy angelfish is 19〜24℃.

Wild-caught fish do best cooler than a typical tropical tank; Saltcorner suggests 19-24°C.

Basic Info

Origin

Pacific coast of southern and central Japan, the Izu and Ogasawara islands, and the northwestern Hawaiian Islands

Size

Up to 15 cm TL

Temperature

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 19–24℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02
Min. Tank: 190 L

Semi-aggressiveWith caution

Sources: FishBase (Centropyge interrupta) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Centropyge interrupta (Tanaka, 1918)

Synonyms: Angelichthys interruptus Tanaka, 1918, Centropyge interruptus (Tanaka, 1918)

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. It also occurs along the coasts of Japan (southern Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, etc.); collecting in Japan is subject to each prefecture's fisheries adjustment regulations. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.