Not furry, but we like them anyway.

Bicolor Angelfish

Centropyge bicolor

Also called Two-coloured angelfish, Oriole angelfish, Oriole dwarf angel, Pacific rock beauty, Blue and gold angel

SpeciesShort profile

From Indo-Pacific: East Africa to the Samoan and Phoenix Islands, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia, throughout Micronesia1 2

At a glance the quick version

Length10 to 15 cm1 3

Lifespan5 to 13 years1 2

Sizesmall

Wild lifespan varies by region; FishBase gives a maximum of 13 years

Striking two-tone yellow and blue

Small size

Lively, always on the move

2 3 1

Looks how to spot one

Small, oval dwarf angelfish

Split cleanly into two colours: the head, front of the body and tail are bright yellow, while the rest is deep blue. A short blue band runs from the eye over the top of the head.2 3

Coloursyellowdark blue2 3

Personality what they are like

Semi-aggressive and best as the only dwarf angel in the tank. It dashes between hiding spots and gets bolder over time.3 1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Constantly moves between bits of cover, grazing as it goes.1 3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Needs lots of hiding spots and live rock to graze on. It may nip at stony and soft corals and clam mantles.3

Home where they are happiest

A tank of at least 70 to 75 US gallons (about 265 to 285 L) with plenty of rock and caves. Saltwater at about 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. In the wild it lives on lagoon, channel and sheltered seaward reef slopes at about 1 to 25 m.3 2 1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

An omnivore. Offer a varied menu of spirulina and marine algae, a good angelfish food, and meaty items such as frozen mysis shrimp. Wild fish eat algae, small crustaceans and worms.3 1 2

Company who they like around

Wild adults live in harems of one male with about seven ranked females. In an aquarium it is usually kept singly or with fish of different types.2 1

The story where it all began

Marcus Elieser Bloch described the species in 1787 as Chaetodon bicolor, and it was later placed in Centropyge. Its two-colour pattern makes it one of the easiest dwarf angels to recognise.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
If the harem male disappears, the top-ranked female becomes a male in about 18 to 20 days.1
2
Its larvae drift in open water for around a month before settling on the reef.2
3
In aquariums it sometimes acts as a cleaner, picking at other fish.2
4
Higher-ranked females in a harem spawn more often than lower-ranked ones.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009)1

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Bicolor Angelfish. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
Temperature checkevery day
Salinity checkevery week
Top-upTop up evaporation with fresh RO water, not salt waterevery day
Water testevery week
Water changeAbout 10 to 20% of the waterevery 2 weeks
Glass cleanevery week

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Bicolor Angelfish?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to offer food daily, but keep portions small to avoid waste. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.3 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Bicolor Angelfish eat, and what should it never eat?

It is an omnivore that enjoys spirulina, marine algae, angelfish food, and frozen mysis shrimp. Never feed it anything not listed here, and avoid overfeeding meaty items. For specific foods to avoid, consult a vet or good breeder.3 1 2

How much space does a Bicolor Angelfish need?

A tank of at least 70 to 75 US gallons (about 265 to 285 L) is recommended. It needs plenty of rock and caves for hiding and grazing. More space is better for its active nature.3 2 1

What temperature, light or water does a Bicolor Angelfish need?

Keep saltwater at 22 to 26 °C, pH 8.1 to 8.4, dKH 8 to 12, and specific gravity 1.020 to 1.025. Furry Diary's plan suggests daily temperature checks and weekly salinity tests. Provide moderate lighting and lots of live rock.3 2 1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean a Bicolor Angelfish's home?

Furry Diary's plan recommends cleaning the glass weekly, testing water weekly, and doing a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks. Top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Adjust based on your tank's needs and ask your vet. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Bicolor Angelfish live with others?

It is semi-aggressive and best kept as the only dwarf angel in the tank. It can live with fish of different types, but avoid other dwarf angels. Wild adults live in harems, but in aquariums it is usually kept singly.3 1 2

How long does a Bicolor Angelfish live?

With good care, it can live between 5 and 13 years. Lifespan depends on diet, water quality, and tank conditions. Provide a stable environment to help it thrive.1 2

Can I handle a Bicolor Angelfish?

No, handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate slime coat. Enjoy watching it dash between hiding spots instead. Always use a net if you must move it.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Flame Angelfish

Coral Beauty

Lemonpeel Angelfish

Cherub Angelfish

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

FishBase: Centropyge bicolor, Bicolor angelfish fishbase.seused for length, distribution, depth, habitat, diet, sex change, lifespan, IUCN status, describer
Wikipedia: Centropyge bicolor en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, colour description, harems, spawning, larval period, history, aquarium notes
LiveAquaria: Bicolor Angelfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.