Keyhole Angelfish

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

Description

The Keyhole angelfish is a small size fish and can reach a maximum size of 19 cm length. Easily identified by the dark blue almost black colouration with the large white spot on upper middle of side, yellow margin on anal fin. Large horizontal spine on corner of preopercle. Juveniles are mainly black with a white bar. The white bar changes to a central blotch and varies greatly in shape and size. Dorsal and anal fins with submarginal blue line. Most of the pelvic and the anterior portion of the anal fin are yellow. Caudal fin is with submarginal blue line.

Distribution

Western Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean to Fiji, north to southern Japan, south to Scott Reef (eastern Indian Ocean) and Lord Howe Island.

Habitat

It prefers mixed coral and rubble areas coastal reefs, lagoons and shallow slopes to about 55 m depth. Juveniles are found in coastal protected bays and estuaries.