Centropyge vrolikii (Bleeker, 1853)
Pearlscale angelfish
Paro-paro,  Adlo,  Alibang-bang,  Alibangbang,  Boray-boray,  Malaga,  Pata
photo by Caron Wong@114°E Hong Kong Reef Fish Survey

Family:  Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Max. size:  12 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  reef-associated; marine; depth range 0 - 30 m, non-migratory
Distribution:  Western Pacific: Christmas Island in the eastern Indian Ocean and Bali to the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu, north to southern Japan, south to Lord Howe Island. Recently recorded from Tonga (Ref. 53797).
Diagnosis:  Dorsal spines (total): 14-14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 15-16; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 16-17; Vertebrae: 24-24. Description: Pale tan or light brown becoming blackish on the posterior third of the body and the adjacent fins. Scales on the light portion with white centers. The edge of the gill opening, and the base of the pectoral fins orange. The rear portion of the dorsal and anal fins, and the caudal fin with submarginal narrow blue line. Juvenile similar to adult (Ref. 48636). Body depth 1.7-1.8 in SL. Scales longitudinal series 46-48 (Ref. 90102).
Biology:  Inhabits lagoons and seaward reefs, mainly in coral rich areas (Ref. 1602). Feeds on algae. Oviparous (Ref. 240), monogamous (Ref. 52884). Frequently exported through the aquarium trade. Form hybrids with Centropyge eibli and C. flavissima at areas of sympatry. Mimicked by juveniles of the acanthurid Acanthurus pyroferus (Ref. 48391).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 09 October 2009 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:  Recorded from Lanuza Bay (Ref. 104756), Verde Island Passage (Ref. 107854),Tañon Strait (Ref. 107276), Bongo Island and Paril-Sangay Protected Seascape, Moro Gulf, Davao Gulf, Sarangani Bay and Malalag Bay (Ref. 106380). Found in Cebu fish markets (Ref. 393) and recorded in Bantayan Is. in northern Cebu (Ref. 114734). Also Ref. 48613, 53416, 59110, 107852, 107853, 121724.


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