How to Identify Bicolor Angelfish

To identify Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The anterior (front) half of the body, including the head and pectoral fins, is bright yellow. The posterior (rear) half, including the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, is a deep royal blue to purplish-blue. A distinct vertical black bar often runs through the eye.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Sharp, contrasting bicolor pattern (yellow anterior, blue posterior), Small, terminal mouth, Preopercular spine (a sharp spine on the gill cover)

Dorsal fin

Single, continuous dorsal fin with 14-15 spines and 15-16 soft rays. The soft-rayed portion is rounded.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Relatively small, yellow pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 3 spines and 16-17 soft rays, matching the blue coloration of the posterior body.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most defining feature is the sharp demarcation between the bright yellow front half and the deep blue rear half of the body. Look for the black bar through the eye.

2. 2

   Size and Shape

   Small, laterally compressed body typical of dwarf angelfish (Centropyge species).

3. 3

   Behavior

   Often seen darting among corals and rocks, grazing on algae and detritus.

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