The Rusty Angelfish is aptly named for its predominate red or amber coloration punctuated with black dots that decrease in size from dorsal to anal and pelvic fins. The anal fin is dark and both the dorsal and anal fins are rimmed in bright, sapphire-blue.

The Rusty Angelfish requires at least a 30-gallon tank with large amounts of live rock for hiding and grazing. Not a good reef dweller, the Rusty Angelfish is prone to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles. It is best kept as the only Dwarf Angelfish in the tank.

The diet of the Rusty Angelfish should include Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysid shrimp, and other meaty items.