Latin name

Centropyge multispinis

Other name

Brown pygmy angelfish, dusky angelfish, dusky cherub, many-spined angelfish, and multispined angelfish.

Identification

The Bluefin Dwarf has an oval, flattened body with rounded fins and a slightly pointed head with a small mouth.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin has 14 spines and 15-17 soft rays, while the anal fin has 3 spines and 16-17 soft rays. 

Fish colouring

The body of a bluefin dwarf has a dark background with black vertical stripes on the sides. The posterior dorsal and anal fins have light blue edges.

Distribution

Widespread in the northern and western Indian Ocean. It is one of the most common species of angelfish. It is found along the east coast of Africa, including the Red Sea, and throughout the Indian Ocean as far north as Thailand and Sumatra. Its presence in Madagascar remains to be confirmed.

Habitat

Found at depths of 1 to 30 meters (3.3 to 98.4 feet) in rocky areas near coral reefs, although it can also be found on lagoon reefs and outer reef slopes.  

Size

This species reaches a maximum total length of 14 centimeters (5.5 inches).

Behavior

Bluefin tuna is a tropical marine, non-migratory species that inhabits coral-rich and rocky areas of lagoons and coastal reefs.

Food and feeding habits

These fish feed on algae and detritus.

Reproduction

Bluefin tunas are primordial hermaphrodites and have the ability to change sex from female to male. In the absence of the male, one of the females becomes a male.

Fishing

This species is commercially important for fishing.

Relationship with a person

Harmless. Centropyge multispinis is not often seen in commercial aquariums.