Pearlscale Angelfish

Centropyge vrolikii is a species of marine fish in the family Pomacanthidae. The Pearlscale angelfish is widespread throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-West Pacific area.

Descritpion

The Pearlscale angelfish is a small size fish and can reach a maximum size of 12 cm length. The main body tone is silvery gray with pearl specks. In some individuals, thin vertical stripes of orange or brownish shades appear on the sides of the body. The ring around the eye and the base of the pectoral fin are orange. The tail and hindquarters of the dorsal and anal fins are velvety black with a blue border. Juveniles are distinguished by a darker color. Sexual dimorphism is not expressed.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean and Bali to the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island.

Habitat

It inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs, mainly in coral rich areas. It feeds on algae. Form hybrids with Centropyge eibli and C. flavissima at areas of sympatry. Mimicked by juveniles of the acanthurid Acanthurus pyroferus.