How to Identify Yellowbelly Angelfish

To identify Yellowbelly Angelfish (Centropyge flaviventris), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

The anterior half of the body, including the head, pectoral fins, and anterior dorsal and anal fins, is a brilliant, vivid yellow. The posterior half of the body, including the caudal peduncle and caudal fin, is a deep, contrasting blue to purplish-blue. A sharp, distinct line separates these two color zones, typically running vertically just behind the pectoral fin base. The dorsal and anal fins often have blue margins.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Sharp bicolor demarcation (yellow anterior, blue posterior), Small size, typical of dwarf angelfish, Single spine on the preopercle

Dorsal fin

XIV spines, 15-16 soft rays

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly truncate

Pectoral fin

15-16 rays

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are yellow, often with a blue leading edge.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The most definitive feature is the sharp bicolor pattern: bright yellow anteriorly and deep blue posteriorly. No other Centropyge species shares this exact pattern.

2. 2

   Size

   Reaches a maximum standard length of about 8 cm (3.1 inches), making it one of the smaller dwarf angelfish.

3. 3

   Habitat Preference

   Look for it in deeper reef slopes and drop-offs, often darting in and out of crevices.

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