Pygmy Yellowtail Angelfish

The Pygmy Yellowtail Angelfish (Centropyge flavicauda) is a semi-aggressive species that is reef-safe with caution, admired for its striking contrast of a deep blue to purple body and a vibrant yellow tail that gives it its name.

Males typically display more intense coloration and may show territorial behavior, while females and juveniles remain slightly smaller and less vibrant in hue. They reach about 2.5 to 3 inches in length and should be housed in aquariums of at least 55 gallons.

Provide plenty of live rock with hiding spots and grazing surfaces, along with open swimming space to keep them active and reduce stress. Stable water parameters (salinity ~1.020–1.025, temp ~72–79°F, pH ~8.1–8.4) are essential, and a secure lid is recommended since these angelfish are prone to jumping.

Their diet should consist of a mix of mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, copepods, high-quality pellets, spirulina, and marine algae. With proper care, the Pygmy Yellowtail Angelfish makes a hardy and eye-catching addition to both reef and fish-only aquariums.

International Aquatics Quarantine & Guarantee: All fish are checked by marine vets, given a formalin bath, and held for 14 days in copper-treated systems. We feed Selcon-soaked food with Kanaplex and Metroplex during quarantine. Unless marked, all livestock comes with our 15-Day Guarantee. You will receive a video of your fish eating before shipment. On request, we also send photos/videos after arrival at IA. Some species are import-to-order (3-10 business days). Many common species are already cleared or near the end of QT.

Several species will be import-to-order and may take anywhere from 3-10 business days to secure. Once your fish is secured, you will be notified, and the quarantine process will then begin.