The African Flameback Angelfish (Centropyge acanthops), also known as the Orangeback Angelfish, Pygmy Angelfish or the Jumping Bean Angelfish, has striking contrasts of blue and orange-yellow colors. While the body is predominately blue, there is a broad and bright orange to yellow swatch from the head along the back to the tip of the dorsal fin. The caudal fin is yellow and somewhat transparent, which distinguishes it from the Brazilian Flameback Angelfish (also known as the Fireball Angelfish - Centropyge aurantonotus). Brazilian Flamebacks can be distinguished by their solid blue caudal fins.
The Flameback Angelfish requires a minimum of a 55-gallon tank with lots of hiding places and live rock for grazing. On occasion, this fish may nip at SPS and some species of polyp corals in the reef aquarium. They are natives of the western Indo-Pacific and only grows to a maximum adult length of 3 inches. Significant populations can be found around the shores of the Archipelago Island chain as well as along the entire East Coast of Africa.
African flameback angels generally inhabit coral and rubble areas and but can be found as deep as 120 feet. They prefer areas with dense algae growth covering the substrate as they graze on plant life to supplement their diet.
The diet of the Flameback Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty foods. It's interesting to note that the pygmy Angelfish in the Centropyge genus are among the hardiest angels in the entire Angelfish family.