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

Geographical range, habitat and habits

The Rusty angelfish is found in the Western Pacific, from Tanabe Bay in southern Japan to the south-western tip of Taiwan and the Philippines. It has been reported from the waters of Japan (including the Ryukyu Islands and the Ogasawara Archipelago), Palau, the Philippines, and Taiwan (China).

The Rusty angelfish inhabits seaward, rocky reefs and rubble areas and prefer environments with prolific algae growth. If lives alone or in small groups from a depth of about 6 meters / 20 feet down to 30 meters / 100 feet.

Size and appearance

The largest scientifically measured 10.0 cm / 3.9 in.

The Rusty angelfish is amber to rusty orange, and the ventral area is bright orange. Some specimens are decorated with a thin bluish band or dots along the margin of the dorsal and anal fins.

The Rusty angelfish looks very similar to the Centropyge bispinosus, but Centropyge bispinosus sports a series of thin vertical bars while the Rusty angelfish is adorned with numerous irregularly-shaped black dots.

Rusty angelfish care

It is not advisable to keep a Rusty angelfish in an aquarium smaller than 30 gallons / 115 litres. The aquarium should contain plenty of live rock with prolific algae growth. Including a lot of hiding spots in the set up is very important if you want your Rusty angel to thrive.

The recommended pH-value is 8.1-8.4 and the specific gravity should be 1.020-1.025 when housing Rusty angelfish. Keep the water temperature in the 72-78º F / 22-25.5º C range.

Rusty angelfish can be kept in community aquariums with friendly species. It is one of the least aggressive members of its family.

Housing the Rusty angelfish with members of its own species or other dwarf angels can lead to violence. If you still want to do it, add all angels at the same time and only pick species that look very different from each other when it comes to colouration.

The Rusty angelfish is considered reef safe with caution. It is prone to do some nipping at stony corals, soft corals and clam mantles. Some specimens can turn really vicious, so keep an eye on your angel and make sure that it is well-fed at all times.

Feeding Rusty angelfish

The Rusty angelfish is an omnivore species. Natural algae growth should be encouraged and this species is known to do very well in prolific reef aquariums. Naturally occurring food is however rarely enough, and it is therefore best to supplement with fresh and dried marine algae, spirulina, angelfish formula, and various meaty foods, e.g. brine shrimp and mysid shrimp.

Breeding Rusty angelfish

The Rusty angelfish is an egg-scattering species and has been successfully raised in captivity.

Marine Angelfish Articles:

African Flameback Angelfish – Centropyge acanthops
Asfur Angelfish – Pomacanthus asfur
Bicolor Angelfish – Centropyge bicolor
Blueface Angelfish – Pomacanthus xanthometopon
Cherub Angelfish – Centropyge argi
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
Watanabe's Angelfish – Genicanthus watanabei