Skip to content

Angelfish

Amgelfish

Angelfish (Family: Pomacanthidae)

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Actinopterygii
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Pomacanthidae

Types of Angelfish:

There are about 90 species of marine angelfish, mainly in tropical coral reefs. Some well-known species include:

  1. Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)
  2. Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
  3. French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)
  4. Regal Angelfish (Pygoplites diacanthus)
  5. Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula) – a dwarf angelfish
  6. Blueface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon)

Habitat:

  • Found in tropical and subtropical waters.
  • Primarily inhabit coral reefs, rocky coastlines, and lagoons.
  • Typically swim at depths of 1–50 meters, though some species go deeper.
  • Prefer areas with plentiful hiding spots, such as coral crevices and overhangs.

Diet:

  • Omnivorous, feeding on sponges, algae, tunicates, and small invertebrates.
  • Some species specialize in feeding on coral polyps.
  • Juvenile angelfish often act as cleaners, removing parasites from larger fish.

Lifespan:

  • Typically 10–15 years in the wild.
  • Larger species, such as the Emperor Angelfish, can live over 20 years in captivity.

Sexual Differences (Dimorphism & Mating):

  • Some species display sexual dimorphism, with males being more colorful or larger.
  • Many angelfish are protogynous hermaphrodites, meaning they start as females and can change to males.
  • Usually form monogamous pairs or harems, where one dominant male controls several females.

How to Spot an Angelfish:

  • Bright, vibrant colors with striking patterns.
  • Laterally compressed, disk-shaped bodies for easy maneuvering.
  • Elongated dorsal and anal fins, giving them an elegant, flowing appearance.
  • Distinctive facial markings, such as a mask-like band around the eyes in some species.
  • Juveniles often have different coloration from adults, such as the dramatic blue-and-white rings of the juvenile Emperor Angelfish.

Countries Where Angelfish Are Found:

  • Australia (Great Barrier Reef, Coral Sea)
  • Indonesia (Raja Ampat, Bali, Komodo)
  • Philippines (Tubbataha, Palawan, Cebu)
  • Hawaii & Pacific Islands
  • Japan (Okinawa, Izu Peninsula)
  • Maldives & Indian Ocean reefs
  • Red Sea (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sudan)
  • Madagascar, Mozambique, South Africa
  • Caribbean (Belize, Bahamas, Florida Keys, Mexico)