{"product_id":"purple-masked-angel","title":"Purple Masked Angel","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eBiosecurity Shipping Limitations apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eShipping Allowed?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"width: 100%; height: 79.3752px;\" width=\"100%\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eTasmania\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff80;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eWestern Australia\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #00ff2a;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003eNorthern Territory\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 19.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff2a00;\"\u003eNO\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr style=\"height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 49.3739%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003eAll Other States\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"width: 50.2683%; height: 20.5938px;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #6bb71f;\"\u003eYES\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePurple Masked Angel (Paracentropyge venusta)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, also known as the Venustus Angelfish or Purple Masked Angelfish, is a rare and exceptionally beautiful dwarf marine angelfish. It is highly sought after by experienced marine aquarists for its unusual combination of vibrant yellow, deep blue and purple markings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts most distinctive feature is the striking purple-blue mask across the head and eyes, contrasting against its bright yellow face and body. A deep blue saddle extends across the back, creating one of the most recognisable colour patterns among dwarf angelfish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species was historically classified as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentropyge venusta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and is still commonly sold under that scientific name. It is now also classified as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParacentropyge venusta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNatural Habitat and Behaviour\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Masked Angel originates from the Western Pacific, with its natural distribution extending from southern Japan and the Ryukyu Islands to Taiwan and the northern Philippines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the wild, it inhabits steep outer reef slopes, rocky ledges and caves, often at considerable depths of up to approximately 40 metres. It is naturally a shy and secretive species, frequently retreating into caves and overhangs for protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike some more outgoing dwarf angelfish, the Venustus Angel may initially be timid when introduced to an aquarium. Once established, however, it can become more confident and territorial, particularly towards similarly shaped fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Suitability and Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Masked Angel is best suited to mature, established marine aquariums with extensive live rock, plenty of caves and shaded areas. Although relatively small, it requires sufficient swimming space and a well-established environment to thrive.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is generally best maintained as a single specimen, particularly in smaller aquariums. Avoid housing it with other dwarf angelfish of similar shape or appearance, as territorial aggression can develop.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt can be maintained alongside suitable marine fish such as tangs, clownfish, anthias, wrasses, gobies and other appropriately selected tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Masked Angel is considered reef safe with caution. Although some individuals adapt well to reef aquariums, dwarf angelfish naturally graze on a variety of organisms found on live rock.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is a risk of picking at LPS corals, zoanthids, clams, sponges and other sessile invertebrates. Individual behaviour varies, so careful observation is essential when introducing this species into a coral aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Venustus Angel is an omnivore that naturally grazes on algae, sponges, tunicates and other small organisms found around reef structures.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding a varied and nutritious diet is particularly important, as this species can be reluctant to accept prepared foods when first introduced.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable foods include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuality marine angelfish preparations containing sponge.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrozen mysis shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnriched brine shrimp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpirulina-based foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine algae and nori.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinely chopped seafood.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHigh-quality marine pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed small portions several times throughout the day. A varied diet helps maintain healthy body condition, supports its immune system and encourages natural feeding behaviour.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecific Care Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Purple Masked Angel is considered a challenging species and is best suited to experienced aquarists. It benefits from a mature aquarium with stable water parameters, excellent water quality and plenty of established live rock for grazing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBecause it naturally inhabits deeper reef environments, it appreciates caves, shaded overhangs and areas where it can retreat from intense aquarium lighting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens should be monitored closely to ensure they are eating consistently. Avoid introducing this species into immature aquariums or systems with aggressive tankmates that may prevent it from feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the right environment, careful feeding and stable conditions, the Purple Masked Angel is an extraordinary addition to a specialist marine aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Requirement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParacentropyge venusta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSynonym\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentropyge venusta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFamily\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePomacanthidae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWestern Pacific – Japan, Taiwan and Philippines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdvanced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 12–13 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e265 litres; larger preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e24–27°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e8.1–8.4\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSalinity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1.023–1.026 SG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding Frequency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2–3 times daily\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSemi-aggressive \/ Territorial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwimming Level\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMiddle and lower levels\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Compatibility\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReef Safe With Caution\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Type\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMarine fish-only and established reef aquariums\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare references: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fishkeeper.co.uk\/fish\/marine\/angelfish-dwarf-angelfish\/purple-masked-angelfish?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eFishkeeper species guide\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/livefish.com.au\/purple-mask-angelfish-medium?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"\u003eAustralian Purple Mask Angel care guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. Is the Purple Masked Angel reef safe?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt is considered reef safe with caution. Some individuals coexist with corals, while others may nip at LPS corals, zoanthids, sponges and clam mantles. Monitor carefully if keeping one in a reef aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. How big does a Purple Masked Angel grow?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt reaches approximately 12–13 cm as an adult. Despite being a dwarf angelfish, it requires a reasonably spacious aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. Why is the Purple Masked Angel considered difficult to keep?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis species can be shy, particularly when newly introduced, and may initially struggle to accept prepared foods. It also requires mature live rock, stable water parameters and frequent feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. What does a Purple Masked Angel eat?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt benefits from a varied omnivorous diet containing sponge-based angelfish preparations, mysis shrimp, enriched brine shrimp, marine algae, nori and quality marine pellets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5. Can Purple Masked Angels be kept with other angelfish?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaution is recommended. They can become territorial towards other dwarf angelfish, particularly species with similar body shapes. Keeping a single specimen is generally the safer option.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6. Does the Purple Masked Angel need hiding places?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbsolutely. In the wild, this species inhabits deep reef slopes, caves and rocky overhangs. Provide plenty of live rock, shaded areas and secure hiding places to help it feel comfortable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroducing it into a new aquarium:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e This species requires a mature, biologically established aquarium with plenty of natural grazing opportunities.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding an inadequate diet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Feeding only standard marine flakes or pellets may not meet its nutritional requirements. Include sponge-based angelfish foods and varied frozen foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e3. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeeping it with aggressive tankmates:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Shy specimens can struggle to compete for food. Avoid overly aggressive fish that may intimidate or outcompete it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e4. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssuming it is completely reef safe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Even well-fed individuals may occasionally nip at corals, clams and other sessile invertebrates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProviding insufficient shelter:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e An aquarium without caves, crevices and shaded areas can leave this naturally secretive species stressed and exposed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAllowing water parameters to fluctuate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Sudden changes in temperature, salinity and water chemistry can negatively affect this sensitive angelfish. Maintain consistent water conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51037520068747,"sku":null,"price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/purple-masked-angelapex-aquatic-1988211.jpg?v=1793758029","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/purple-masked-angel","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}