Peppermint angelfish are officially known as Paracentropyge boylei. As the name suggests, they belong to the angelfish family but an expensive and rare one indeed.
In this detailed guide, we will talk about their origin of peppermint angelfish and other important aspects.
Let’s begin our discussion peppermint color beauty
Everything you need to know about Paracentropyge boylei (Peppermint Angelfish)
Origin
Peppermint angelfish habitat is a tropical reef and can be found in eastern central pacific near the cook islands. Due to their rarity, they are one of the most expensive fish in the world. They are shy thus tend to hide behind reefs.
Peppermint angelfish belongs to the Pomacanthidae family of kingdom Animalia. They are a threatened species that is another thing that increases their importance. Paracentropyge boylei (Peppermint )are expensive fish in the aquarium trade.
Kiyoshi Endoh’s Angelfish
Peppermint angelfish was first introduced in a book by Kiyoshi Endoh’s Angelfish of the world. This beauty was on the cover page of the book. Capturing people’s attention with its spellbound elegance.
Peppermint angelfish is a unique and iconic beauty for an aquarium. They are a member of an exquisite species and need no introduction. By being very expensive, there is not a lot of information available about this. It is still only available in a limited number all over the world.
See our other article on Betta Fish – Origin, Food, Types, Care Tips, Growth, and Price.
The Holy Grail- The resident of cook islands
This angelfish is known as the Holy Grail of the marine world. They can only be found 400-500 feet in depth of water. Only a very experienced professional can go to that down searching for it and avoid all the bends and trenches of water.
Avoiding decompression sickness at such depth is very difficult. Because when the diver goes this down, it’s tough to search and capture this beauty in the low light level. Other than that, it is not that simple to capture this angel, Because they tend to hide in rocks and reefs. Which makes it challenging for the divers to capture this jewel of deep water.
Discovery
This peppermint angel was first discovered by Charles J Boyle(hence boylei). Mostly it is challenging for the divers to catch them. If someone finds himself lucky, still it is challenging to handle them with care and bring them to the surface.
Growth Rate
The peppermint angelfish boylei growth rate is quite slow. They can only grow up to 3 inches max length. This may be since we cannot produce a similar environment as in deep waters.
Temperature Requirements
As this fish’s natural habitat is deep water and that means lower temperature. The suitable temperature must reside between 22- 23-degree centigrade. This will not stress out the fish of you. Get your hands on it.
Light Requirement
In deep water at 300 feet, the light level is very low to accumulate peppermint’s natural behavior. It would be best if you reduced the light level. You can later increase the light level gradually so that fish gets used to it.
Environment
We have talked about that peppermint angelfish is a marine creature, living where coral reefs and natural aquascapes are present in depths. So, an artificial environment must be created to make it feel comfortable.
Because let’s accept that we can’t find this fish any other day from any local pet store so, it must be taken care of. Some coral rocks and other artificial scenery must be provided in the tank to match their natural habitat. They use these rocks as a hideout, and in turn, it provides them with a feeling of safety and security. Small caves and crannies are necessary for the fulfillment of the above-mentioned purpose.
Lifespan
As we have discussed above that peppermint angelfish is an endangered species. They have a lifespan of 12-15 years which is quite decent for a rare and delicate being. One can enjoy a nice spell with bewildering beauty.
Tank Mates
Peppermint goldfish is shy in nature and expensive, which can not be collected again if they are harmed and therefore, we must choose its tank mates accordingly. The following tankmate can go with this angelfish without endangering this exotic creature.
Ventralis Anthias is one of the fish that can live well with the angelfish. It also belongs to the waters of the same cook island.
See Our other article on Comet Goldfish: Types, Growth Rate, Lifespan, Care Guide, Breeding.
Food & Diet
Feeding your fish with a proper diet is essential, and when you are talking about an aquarium beauty like this, things can get crucial.
Usually, whenever a new fish arrives, feeding it becomes a hassle because their natural diet doesn’t have processed food materials. The problem remains there with angelfish too, and when the fish from this unique background, it is an even greater challenge.
So, what do feed peppermint angelfish?
We must offer them a variety of live food until they show Positivity about one of them. According to Director of Live Aquaria Kevin Kohen, who has a peppermint angelfish at his disposal. “Angelfish the angel was curiously nipping at the antennae of Trochus snails from day one.”
A Rare Enchanting Beauty:
We can agree on one thing that without a doubt, this peppermint angelfish is another nature’s stunning creature. We are lucky enough to see the majestic prize in its true colors.
Price
You can have this glorious piece of Creation for $30,000 apiece. At only 3 inches in length, it becomes the most expensive fish per inch. But this price justifies its beauty and elegance. A white color body with red stripes and the touch of orange blend makes it worth this price.
Conclusion
Whether to buy this angel is entirely someone’s decision and his pocket, too, because this can break your bank. Peppermint angelfish is a jewel of water, and by having one of them, you can surely enhance your fish collection.