Deepsea Coral Beauty
The Deepsea Coral Beauty is a mesmerizing variant of the dwarf angelfish (Centropyge bispinosa), collected from deeper reef drop-offs and prized for its intensified coloration and slightly more delicate care requirements. This fish brings a splash of deep ocean mystery to your home reef, combining rich, deep–blue tones with embers of orange and gold that glow subtly as it moves.
Appearance & Behavior
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The body and head are dominated by a velvety, deep royal blue, offset by vertical orange-to-gold stripes and highlights that shimmer under reef lighting.
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As a “deep water” or “deepsea” form, these Coral Beauties may exhibit more muted or darker coloration than their shallow-water counterparts, giving them a regal, mysterious presence.
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Adults typically grow to around 4 inches (≈10 cm) in length.
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Temperament is semi-aggressive: relatively mild for an angelfish, but they will establish territories, especially around rockwork.
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In reef settings, they are reef-compatible with caution — they may nip at certain corals (especially SPS) or clam mantles.
Care Requirements
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Tank size: Minimum ~ 50 gal (though many recommend 70 gal+) to provide proper swimming space and hiding crevices.
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Water quality: Stable parameters are essential. Because these fishes are collected from depth, they may be more sensitive to fluctuations in pH, salinity, and temperature.
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Diet: Omnivorous — in the wild they forage on algae, crustaceans, and microflora. In captivity, they do very well on a varied diet: spirulina, marine algae, mysis, brine shrimp, and high-quality angelfish pellets.
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Tank mates: Compatible with many peaceful and mid-sized marine fish, but avoid adding too many other dwarf angelfish unless tank is very large.
Why Choose the Deepsea Variant
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Unique coloration: Because these are collected from deeper reef zones, their coloration is often richer or more dramatic than standard Coral Beauties.
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Character: Their slightly shyer, more territorial nature gives them a refined personality that many advanced hobbyists appreciate.
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Collector appeal: Less common than the shallow-water form, making them a standout addition for those building a curated reef.
Acclimation Tips
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Quarantine thoroughly: Because they come from depth, they may be more stressed by shipping or tank changes.
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Introduce to a mature, cycled reef or fish-only tank first to ensure water stability.
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Provide ample rockwork with caves and crevices so the fish can retreat and establish hiding spots.
The Deepsea Coral Beauty is a stunning, deep-reef angelfish that elevates any marine aquarium with its jewel-like color and graceful behavior. While it demands stable water parameters and thoughtful reef compatibility, its reward is a living piece of deep-sea elegance — perfect for advanced hobbyists or anyone looking to add a rare, refined gem to their collection.
