Description:

Dorsal spines: 14; Dorsal rays: 16-17; Anal spines: 3; Anal rays: 16-18.

Small angelfish. Lower rear edge of preorbital with 1-4 large spines.

Colour a dark blue to blackish angelfish with orange-yellow head, upper sides, dorsal and caudal fins. Close set purple spots on anal fin. Electric blue edge to dorsal, 
anal and pectoral fins. 
 

Size:

Maturity: Unknown. Max length : 8.0 cm TL.
 

Habitat and Ecology:

Inhabits areas of coral rubble withh thick algal growth (depth 6-40 m). Feeds on small invertebrates and algae. Typically occurs in small groups of up to 10 individuals. 
Bi-directional sex change has been confirmed for this species. Eggs pelagic. 

Fishery Status:

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is too small to be caught in the artisanal fishery.  

Notes:

Photo courtesy Eleanor Brighton and Chris Mason-Parker (c) 2022 Blue Safari Seychelles/Marine Conservation Society, Seychelles. Photograph taken at Alphonse group 2022.
 

References:

Bray, D.J. Centropyge acanthops in Fishes of Australia, https://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/5163 (13/07/22). 
Fricke, R. (2010). Centropyge acanthops. The IUCN Red List 2010: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T155083A4694588.en. (13/07/22).
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2022). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.de/summary/9222 (13/07/22). 
Smith, M. & Heemstra, P. (Eds.) (1999). Smiths’ Sea Fishes Edition 6. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 10.1007/978-3-642-82858-4

Citation:

Nevill, J.E.G., Brighton, E. & Mason-Parker, C. (2022). Centropyge acanthops, Orangeback angelfish. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/centropyge-acanthops-norman-1922/