Buy Peppermint Angelfish (Centropyge boylei) – The Holy Grail of Marine Aquarium Fish

Product Overview

The Peppermint Angelfish (Centropyge boylei) is a deepwater reef species found exclusively near the Cook Islands and Rarotonga. With its brilliant red-orange body adorned with vertical white bands, this angelfish is so rare that only a few are exported annually—each commanding global attention from collectors.

• Scientific Name: Centropyge boylei

• Common Names: Peppermint Angelfish, Deepwater Candy Angel

• Origin: Rarotonga, Cook Islands

• Habitat: Deep reefs (300+ feet / 100+ meters)

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Lifespan: 10+ years with expert care

• Availability: <10 specimens/year globally

Why This Fish Is Legendary

• The rarest dwarf angelfish—often referred to as “The Holy Grail”

• Vivid coloration that intensifies under subdued reef lighting

• Peaceful disposition—ideal for luxury nano or collector’s display

• Sustainably collected using advanced decompression & deepwater tech

• Prestige purchase—often displayed in public aquariums or elite private collections

Available Sizes

• Juvenile: 1.5–2 inches (4–5 cm) – Delicate but most adaptable for long-term display

• Sub-adult: 2–2.5 inches (5–6.5 cm) – Vibrant striping, nearly full coloration

• Adult: Up to 3 inches (7 cm) – Fully developed, mature show specimen

Ethical Sourcing & Legal Compliance

• Hand-collected via deep saturation diving from Cook Islands

• Decompression protocols ensure healthy acclimatization

• Exported under strict CITES and national permits

• Held in pressure-stabilized quarantine tanks pre-shipping

• Accompanied with certificate of authenticity and compliance documentation

Tank Requirements & Care

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons (115 L) for singles; 55+ gallons if housed with other fish

• Water Parameters:

  • Temp: 72–76°F (22–24.5°C)

  • pH: 8.1–8.4

  • Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

  • Nitrates: <5 ppm

• Lighting: Low to moderate (mimics deep reef habitat)

• Diet:

  • Frozen mysis, enriched brine shrimp, spirulina-based pellets

  • Feed 2–3 times daily with small, digestible portions

• Behavior:

  • Peaceful; compatible with most reef-safe species

  • Prefers hiding spaces, rock overhangs, and shaded reef zones

Reef Compatibility

• ✅ Safe with soft corals, SPS, and inverts

• ⚠️ Caution with open brains and fleshy LPS (monitor individual behavior)

• ❌ Avoid large, aggressive tankmates

Shipping & Packaging

• Shipping From: Certified hubs in Los Angeles, Tokyo, and Auckland

• Delivery Methods:

  • Air Cargo with Priority Live Animal Clearance

  • FedEx Priority Overnight (USA)

  • DHL/UPS Express (International)

• Packaging:

  • Pressure-controlled bagging

  • Triple-layered thermal insulation

  • Oxygen saturation, pH buffer, ammonia binder included

  • Discreet, labeled: Live Ornamental Fish

✅ Live Arrival Guarantee

• Video required within 1 hour of receipt for DOA claims

• Covered by replacement or store credit

• No returns due to CITES and ethical constraints

• 24/7 elite customer support: support@rarefishcollective.com

Specifications Table