Introducing our April 2021 Fish of the Month, the Cherubfish (Centropyge argi)!
Survey Regions: Cherubfish are found in REEF's Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA) survey region, which includes the Caribbean, Florida, The Bahamas, and Bermuda. Click here to see a distribution report for this species throughout the TWA. If you're looking to add the Cherubfish to your life list of fish sightings, consider planning a trip to Cozumel or Bonaire. Cherubfish have been reported in more than 20% of REEF surveys at both of these locations!
Size: They grow to a maximum of 3 inches.
Identifying Features: Cherubfish have a vibrant blue body with yellow or orange on the face and chest area. They also have a thin blue ring encircling each eye and the outer edge of their dorsal and anal fins are bright blue.
Fun Facts: The Cherubfish is one of the smallest members of the Angelfish family. They prefer deep reefs and walls below 80 feet, where they can be found darting in and out of rubble piles containing rocks and broken coral fragments. A similiar (but very uncommon) species is the Flameback Angelfish, which has been reported only in the southeastern Caribbean. How to tell the difference? The Cherubfish has orange only on its face and chest, while the Flameback Angelfish has an orange wash extending from its face onto its back and dorsal fin.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next Fish of the Month!
[Photo by Florent Charpin]