How to Identify Flame Angelfish

To identify Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Brilliant fiery orange to red body with four to five vertical, irregular black bars on the flanks. The posterior dorsal and anal fins, as well as the caudal fin, are often edged in bright blue or purple. The pectoral fins are typically yellow.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Intense orange-red body coloration, Four to five irregular black vertical bars on the sides, Blue/purple edging on dorsal, anal, and caudal fins, Small size, typical of dwarf angelfish

Dorsal fin

Single dorsal fin with 14 spines and 16-18 soft rays. The posterior portion is often edged in blue.

Tail fin

Rounded caudal fin, typically edged in blue.

Pectoral fin

Small, clear to yellowish pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Pelvic fins are often tipped with blue.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Coloration

   The vibrant orange-red body with distinct black vertical bars is the primary identifier. The intensity of the red and the number/prominence of the black bars can vary geographically.

2. 2

   Fin Edging

   The bright blue or purple edging on the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins is a key characteristic that distinguishes it from other similarly colored angelfish.

3. 3

   Size and Shape

   Its small, compressed body shape, typical of the Centropyge genus, helps differentiate it from larger angelfish species.

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