Dusky angelfish
Centropyge multispinis
Valid name (FishBase; confirmed in Eschmeyer's Catalog of Fishes and WoRMS, October 2026).
- English
- Dusky angelfish
- Scientific
- Centropyge multispinis
- Dhivehi
- ކަށި ކޮކާމަސްKashi kokaamas
- Group
- Reef fish
- Maximum size
- Up to about 14 cm (total length) (FishBase); MRS 1997 gives max. 12 cm
- Depth and habitat
- Coral reefs and reef-associated habitats, recorded from 1 to 30 m
- IUCN status
- LC · Least ConcernLeast Concern (LC), assessed 2009
Description
A small, dark brown to almost black angelfish with a dark spot behind the gill opening and brilliant neon-blue lips, gill spine and fin edges. It is the most abundant dwarf angelfish in the Indian Ocean and lives among coral and rubble on reef edges and slopes, grazing algae. Its dark colour and shy habits make it easy to overlook.
In the Maldives
Dhivehi name kashi kokaamas (MRS 1997). MRS calls it very common on Maldivian reefs.
Sources
- fishbase.se /summary/Centropyge-multispinis.html
- fao.org /4/AD471E/AD471E00.htm
- fishbase.se /comnames/CommonNamesList.php?ID=6549&GenusName=Centropyge&SpeciesName
- dv.wikipedia.org /wiki/ކަށި_ކޮކާމަސް
- commons.wikimedia.org /wiki/File:Centropyge_multispinis_1.jpg
Dhivehi name source: M.R.S. (1997) Fishes of the Maldives (FAO/BOBP MAG/21) gives 'Kashi kokaamas' (Latin form). FishBase (country: Maldives) gives a different name: 'Kalhu kokaa'. Thaana from the Dhivehi Wikipedia article 'ކަށި ކޮކާމަސް' (derived from the MRS 1997 Dhivehi edition); it matches the Latin form. FLAG: sources disagree; needs a Dhivehi speaker. FLAG: the source states no traditional name was recorded and this descriptive name was coined for the book; it is not an established fishermen's name.