The fish species Centropyge argi is known under several different English names, such as Cherub angelfish, Cherubfish, Cherub angel, Cherub pygmy angelfish, Pygmy Cherub angel, Pygmy angelfish, Yellow face pygmy, Carribbean pygmy angel, and Atlantic pygmy angel. 

Centropyge argi has not been evaluated for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Geographical range, habitat and habits

Cherub angelfish is found in the Western Atlantic. The geographical range stretches from Florida, USA and Bermuda to French Guiana and includes both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. It is a subtropical species found from 35°N to 10°N.

The depth range for this species is 5-80 meters / 16-262 feet. It is occasionally encountered in fairly shallow waters (5-10 meters / 16-33 feet), but is normally found below 30 meters / 100 feet. This is a reef-associated species that prefers of rubble environments. When scared, it will dart into a cave, crevice or similar.  

Size and appearance

The largest scientifically measured Cherub angelfish was 8.0 cm / 3.1 in.

The Cherub angelfish is a deep metallic blue to purple fish with orange-yellow head and chest. The pectoral fins are of a pale yellowish shade while the other fins are deep blue with pale blue margins. A small dark blue “smudge” is located right behind the corner of the mouth, and there is a blue ring around each eye.

Just like the other angels, the Cherub angelfish have gill covers with two opercular spines.  

Cherub Angelfish care

Ideally keep this fish in an established reef aquarium. The aquarium where you house your Cherub angelfish should contain suitable hiding spots, e.g. caves and crevices created by rocks and coral rubble. This species is known to appreciate rocks that form a lot of passage ways in the aquarium. It is not advisable to use an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons / 115 litres.

The Cherub angelfish can be a bit aggressive towards other fish and should preferably be added as the last fish to an aquarium. It is however not very aggressive compared to other angelfish species. Keeping it with members of its own species is not recommended, since it can lead to serious violence. If you absolutely wish to keep it with members of its own species, use a 75 gallon / 285 litre aquarium or larger.

The Cherub angelfish is considered reef safe.

The recommended water temperature is 72-78° F / 22-25.5° C. The pH-value is best kept in the 8.1-8.4 range and the specific gravity at 1.020-1.025.

Feeding Cherub Angelfish

In the wild, the Cherub angelfish feeds chiefly on various types of algae, but it will also ingest tiny animals. It is important to keep it on varied diet in the aquarium to ensure optimal health. You can for instance combine a high-quality flake food with marine algae, angel formula and boiled vegetables. You should also give your fish occasional servings of meaty foods, e.g. brine shrimp and mysid shrimp.

Feed your Cherub angelfish many small portions throughout the day instead of just a few big meals per day.

When introduced to a new home, the Cherub angelfish can be a finicky eater until it has adapted to the new environment.

Breeding Cherub Angelfish

The Cherub angelfish is a monogamous, egg-laying species. The male is normally bigger than the female.

The Cherub angelfish has been successfully bred in aquariums.

Marine Angelfish Articles:

African Flameback Angelfish – Centropyge acanthops
Asfur Angelfish – Pomacanthus asfur
Bicolor Angelfish – Centropyge bicolor
Blueface Angelfish – Pomacanthus xanthometopon
Coral Beauty – Centropyge bispinosa
Emperor Angelfish – Pomacanthus imperator
Flame Angelfish – Centropyge loricula
French Angelfish – Pomacanthus paru
Herald's Angelfish – Centropyge heraldi
Koran Angelfish – Pomacanthus semicirculatus
Lamarck's Angelfish – Genicanthus lamarack
Potter's Angelfish – Centropyge potteri
Queen Angelfish – Holacanthus ciliaris
Regal Angelfish – Pygoplites diacanthus
Rock Beauty Angelfish – Holacanthus tricolor
Rusty Angelfish – Centropyge ferrugata
Watanabe's Angelfish – Genicanthus watanabei