At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Very small, deep-bodied dwarf angelfish
One of the smallest angelfish. The oval body is deep sapphire blue, while the face and chest are orange-yellow with a thin blue ring around the eye. The fins are blue with paler blue edges, and there is a sturdy spine at the corner of the gill cover.23
Personality what they are like
Semi-aggressive for its size and best kept one per tank, though a mated pair can live together. It ducks into holes when startled.31
Daily activity how busy a day looks
An active little grazer that stays close to rubble and rock.13
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide live rock and plenty of hiding places. It may nip at large-polyped stony corals and clam mantles.3
Home where they are happiest
A tank of at least 50 to 55 US gallons (about 190 to 210 L) with live rock. 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 over coral rubble, mostly at about 5 to 30 m.31
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. Feed small portions about three times a day. Wild fish eat algae and small bottom-living invertebrates.312
Company who they like around
Lives in small groups with one male, a few females and juveniles. A single fish or a mated pair suits most home tanks.213
The story where it all began
Loren P. Woods and Robert H. Kanazawa described the species in 1951. The name argi comes from Argus Bank near Bermuda, where the type specimens were found.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2009)1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Cherub Angelfish. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- 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 Cherub Angelfish?
Feed small portions about three times a day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests small amounts once or twice daily. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.312 Furry Diary plan
What does a Cherub Angelfish eat, and what should it never eat?
It is an omnivore that enjoys spirulina, marine algae, angelfish food, and frozen mysis shrimp. Avoid feeding it anything not listed; never give it medicines or foods not approved by a vet.312
How much space does a Cherub Angelfish need?
A tank of at least 50 to 55 US gallons (about 190 to 210 L) is recommended. This gives it room to graze and hide among live rock.31
What temperature, light or water does a Cherub 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. Provide live rock and hiding spots; it may nip at some corals.31
How often should I clean a Cherub Angelfish's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly glass clean and water test, a 10 to 20% water change every two weeks, and daily top-ups with fresh RO water. Adjust based on your tank's needs and ask your vet. Furry Diary plan
Can a Cherub Angelfish live with others?
It is semi-aggressive and best kept alone or as a mated pair. In the wild it lives in small groups with one male, but a single fish or pair suits most home tanks.312
How long does a Cherub Angelfish live?
Lifespan varies with care; ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for specific estimates. With proper feeding and habitat, it can live many years.
Can I handle a Cherub Angelfish?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses the fish and can damage its delicate body and fins. Observe it in the tank instead.32
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Centropyge argi, Cherubfish fishbase.seused for length, distribution, depth, habitat, diet, pairing, IUCN status, describer
- Wikipedia: Centropyge argi en.wikipedia.orgused for colour description, size, distribution, social groups, history, etymology
- LiveAquaria: Pygmy (Cherub) Angelfish liveaquaria.comused for aquarium care, tank size, water parameters, temperament, diet, captive breeding
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.