Centropyge venusta (Yasuda & Tominaga, 1969)
Purplemask angelfish
Centropyge venusta
photo by Randall, J.E.

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  12 cm NG (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 10 - 40 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Japan to the northern Philippines.
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 16-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 15-15. Description: Head and body dorsally blue, ventral yellow with triangular extension to behind head. Body depth 1.9-2.2 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-48 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits steep outer reef slopes (Ref. 9710); in ledges and caves (Ref. 48391). A shy species, not easily approached at close range (Ref. 4537). Usually observed singly, almost always upside down in reef caves (Ref. 47838); also forms pairs or small groups (Ref. 48391). Natural diet unknown (Ref. 48391). Sometimes forms hybrids with Centropyge multifasciata (Ref. 48391). Occasionally exported through the aquarium trade.
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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