Peppermint Angelfish

Paracentropyge boylei

Discovered in 1992 more than 100 metres down, this candy-striped dwarf angel is one of the rarest fish ever kept. Only deep divers can collect it.

A peaceful saltwater fish that grows to 7 cm, lives in the middle of the tank and needs 20–26 °C, pH 8.0–8.4 and an aquarium of at least 120 L.

Care at a glance

Water

Saltwater

Temperature

20–26 °C (68–79 °F)

pH

8.0–8.4

Adult size

7 cm (2.8 in)

Aquarium

120 L or bigger (32 US gal)

Temperament

Peaceful

Group size

Fine on its own

Swims

Middle

Diet

Omnivore

Wild home

Deep reef walls of Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Good to know

• Delicate. Sensitive to poor water quality.
• Shy. Stressed without plants, rocks or caves to hide in.

Tank mates

Good company: Banggai Cardinalfish, Firefish Goby, Flame Hawkfish, Golden Dwarf Moray, Green Chromis, Harlequin Shrimp, Mandarin Dragonet, Neon Goby, Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, Yellow Watchman Goby.

Eaten by: Clown Triggerfish, Lantern Anglerfish, Lionfish, Snowflake Moray.

Attacked by: Clown Triggerfish.

Colours

• Classic legendary

The care values are the ones Aquarius uses, based on how these animals live. Tank mates follow the game's rules: water type, temperature and pH, who can swallow whom, fin nipping, temperament and territory.