[Ebook] Encyclopedia of Aquarium & Pond Fish – Directory of Marine Fish – Angelfish

Directory of Marine Fish

Angelfish

The angelfish family includes some of the most attractively patterned of all reef fish. The size of angelfish can vary greatly between species. While dwarf angelfish (Centropyge species) attain a maximum length of 5 in (12.5 cm), their larger relatives may grow as large as 24 in (60 cm) in the wild. The young of these bigger species often differ significantly in appearance from the adults. Bear this in mind when choosing young angelfish for the aquarium, and never base your choice simply on size, because you could easily end up buying a juvenile that rapidly outgrows its accommodation. Larger species are also more quarrelsome than their smaller relatives and not generally suited to being housed with invertebrates.

Coral Beauty (Centropyge bispinosa)

• ORIGINS: The Indo-Pacific region, including areas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Philippines.
• SIZE: 3 1⁄2 in (9 cm).
• DIET: Plant matter and some animal matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Typically docile.

The Coral Beauty varies throughout its range, with stunning shades of blue and green as well as rich yellow hues all being evident. Juveniles have red flanks, broken by fine purple lines, rather than the yellow background of the adults (this is also seen in older individuals from the Philippines). As with all dwarf angelfish, algae and other plant matter must feature significantly in their diet.

Half-Black Angelfish (Centropyge vrolikii)

• ORIGINS: Found in the Indo-Pacific region, as with the vast majority of Centropyge species.
• SIZE: 4 3⁄4 in (12 cm).
• DIET: Plant matter and prepared diets.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Not harmful to invertebrates.

The markings on the scales of this dwarf angelfish resemble tiny pearls—hence its common name. The lack of stripes across the body distinguishes it from Eibl’s Angelfish (see opposite). The Half-Black Angelfish’s subdued coloration means that it is less popular than other, more colorful members of the group, but it is easy to care for, thriving in an established tank where it can graze on algae

Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loriculus)

• ORIGINS: East of the Philippines to Samoa, occasionally Hawaii, and south to the Great Barrier Reef.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Plant matter plus other foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Rather shy

This is one of the hardiest of the dwarf angelfish and its care, in terms of its diet, is straightforward. However, Flame Angelfish are not very tolerant of their own kind, so if you want to keep more than one, it is important to include plenty of retreats. To pair them up, obtain two juveniles. These will initially both be female, but one will develop into a male, becoming bigger and more colorful.

Bicolor Angelfish (Centropyge bicolor)

• ORIGINS: The Indo-Pacific region, extending from Malaysia to northwestern Australia, Japan, and Samoa.
• SIZE: 5 in (12.5 cm).
• DIET: Eats animal protein and plant matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Usually placid.

A yellow and purple-blue coloration gives the Bicolor Angelfish a striking appearance. It may be possible to keep these dwarf angelfish in pairs or small groups. Females are able to change into males if the male of a group dies or is removed. Spawning normally occurs at dusk, with the eggs floating and being dispersed on the current, although successful breeding in aquariums is still a rare event. The young initially feed on plankton.

Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)

• ORIGINS: North of the Philippines to the Marianas, south to Rapa Island; also Cocos-Keeling and Christmas Island.
• SIZE: 5 1⁄2 in (14 cm).
• DIET: Mainly plant matter, plus prepared foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Tolerant.

Blue fin edging distinguishes this species from juvenile Chocolate Surgeonfish (see p.236) and the closely related Herald’s or Golden Dwarf Angelfish (C. heraldi). Rather confusingly, however, Lemonpeel Angelfish from Christmas Island also lack the blue markings. The Lemonpeel, like other dwarf angelfish, frequents the middle and lower levels of the tank and thrives in a reef-type setup.

Eibl’s Angelfish (Centropyge eibli)

• ORIGINS: The Indo-Pacific region. (Only two of about 33 Centropyge species occur in the Caribbean.)
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Plant matter, plus other marine foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Nonaggressive.

One of least brightly colored members of the group, Eibl’s Angelfish is certainly not drab, with an attractive wavy body pattern and distinctive circles of gold and blue around the eyes. Maintaining good water quality in the aquarium is vital, just as it is for all angelfish. Replace up to a quarter of the volume every two weeks, especially in a new tank. Otherwise, the fish are likely to succumb to parasitic and bacterial diseases.

Potter’s Angelfish (Centropyge potteri)

• ORIGINS: Occurs in the Pacific Ocean, especially in the area around Hawaii.
• SIZE: 4 in (10 cm).
• DIET: Prefers plant matter, and grazes on algae.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Not usually aggressive.

These attractive dwarf angelfish have a reputation for being one of the harder species to acclimatize successfully to aquarium surroundings. They are unlikely to thrive in a new tank setup, which will lack the algae they need in their diet. They should, however, settle well into an established reef aquarium with stable water chemistry. Most invertebrates are safe with these angelfish, although they occasionally prey on tubeworms.

CORAL RETREATS

Angelfish are naturally encountered among the lower levels of coral reefs, rather than close to the surface. They instinctively seek out snug hiding places where they can retreat and hide from any possible danger, and rest at night, as well. The tall, narrow body shape of angelfish means that they are able to slip easily into narrow crevices, beyond the reach of most predators, where the bright colors on their flanks are hidden from view. It is important to replicate these retreats within the aquarium in order to give the fish a sense of security. In the tank, an angelfish will tend to favor one particular crevice as its retreat.

Yellow Bar Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

• ORIGINS: Throughout the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, extending into northwestern parts of the Indian Ocean.
• SIZE: 12 in (30 cm).
• DIET: Animal-based foods and plant matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Bold and fearless.

Although it ranks among the most expensive of all angelfish, the Yellow Bar is one of the most easily kept of the larger species, thanks partly to its curiosity. Its inquisitive nature means that it can be weaned quite easily onto a range of suitable prepared diets, rather than the sponges and corals that form a substantial part of the natural diet of large angelfish. The yellow banding on the body of the adult Yellow Bar is variable both in size and shape. The young look very different from their elders, displaying a series of blue, white, and black bands across the body. It typically takes about 18 months for a small juvenile to acquire its adult coloration. Delayed development of adult color suggests that the water conditions in the aquarium may not be ideal.

Koran Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus)

• ORIGINS: Widely distributed, ranging from the Red Sea throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
• SIZE: 16 in (40 cm).
• DIET: Eats both plant and animal matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial.

The juvenile form of the Koran Angelfish has a pattern of curving lines running along its body. As this angelfish matures, its blue background coloration is mainly replaced by brown, with blue edging to the fins and stripes across the face becoming evident. The pale markings that develop on the caudal fin are regarded as being similar to the Arabic script used in the holy Koran, explaining the unusual name of this fish.

Majestic Angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus)

• ORIGINS: Widely distributed throughout the Pacific Ocean.
• SIZE: 10 in (25 cm).
• DIET: Eats both animal foods and plant matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Not very social.

These angelfish need plenty of swimming space, as well as retreats where they can hide. The adults are very different from the young, which display white stripes on a dark blue background. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to persuade Majestic Angelfish to take substitute diets, so you should only buy specimens that you have seen feeding.

Asfur Angelfish (Arusetta asfur)

• ORIGINS: Occurs throughout the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea.
• SIZE: 20 in (50 cm).
• DIET: Will eat both animal foods and plant matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025.
• TEMPERAMENT: Lively; can be aggressive

This species is closely related to the Yellow Bar Angelfish (see top left). While the young of both species are similar, an adult Asfur can be identified by its bright yellow caudal fin. It is not advisable to mix larger angelfish, especially those with similar patterning, because weaker individuals are likely to be bullied. Finding other suitable tankmates for these fish is difficult.

Annularis Angelfish (Pomacanthus annularis)

• ORIGINS: Widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
• SIZE: 16 in (40 cm); 10 in (25 cm) in aquariums.
• DIET: Omnivorous; likes to graze on algae.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Adults are antisocial in aquariums.

In addition to the distinctive blue circle located above and behind the gills, adult Annularis have a series of blue lines running across the body and fins. Slight differences in patterning are evident between individuals. Young fish display a series of near-horizontal white lines against a blue background. Annularis sometimes become sufficiently tame to feed from the hand.

French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru)

• ORIGINS: Northern area of the Gulf of Mexico south to Brazil. Also recorded in the vicinity of Ascension Island.
• SIZE: 15 in (38 cm).
• DIET: Animal-based foods plus plant matter.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Nonaggressive.

Young French Angelfish are black with yellow stripes. The adults are a duller grayish-black flecked with yellow. The pictured fish is starting to develop this coloration as its stripes fade. In the wild, juveniles act as “cleaners,” removing parasites from the adults. Their different appearance means their advances are less likely to be seen as a threat.

Blue-Faced Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon)

• ORIGINS: Occurs on coral reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
• SIZE: 15 in (38 cm); 12 in (30 cm) in aquariums.
• DIET: Both plant matter and animal foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Territorial.

The Blue-Faced Angelfish is difficult to wean onto an artificial diet, so be prepared to offer a wide range of foods to assist this process. As with other species, breeding in the home aquarium is unlikely to be successful. In the wild, external fertilization occurs, with the eggs floating and the fry then developing in plankton near the surface. After a month, they make their way back down to the reef.

DISRUPTIVE CAMOUFLAGE

To human eyes, the colorful striped patterning associated with many angelfish is both striking and highly attractive. But in the wild, such colorful patterning is crucial to the survival of these fish because it breaks up the outline of their body shapes. As a result, especially when viewed from a distance, an angelfish’s distinctive markings help it to blend in with the background of its reef habitat, concealing its presence from the eyes of predators. This phenomenon, which is the same as that used by animals such as tigers, is described by biologists as disruptive camouflage.

Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

• ORIGINS: From the Red Sea eastward through the Indo-Pacific to Japan, Hawaii, and Tahiti.
• SIZE: 16 in (40 cm).
• DIET: Consumes both animal and plant foods.
• WATER: Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
• TEMPERAMENT: Domineering and territorial.

There is no obvious similarity in appearance between the adult Emperor Angelfish, shown here to the left of the picture, and the juvenile pictured on the bottom right, which has dark blue coloring and a pattern made up of concentric, semicircular lines. Indeed, they appear so different that up until the 1930s, young Emperor Angelfish were believed to be a separate species. Their darker coloration may help them to merge into the background of coral, while mature individuals are much more conspicuous, swimming readily over the reef. It is best to start with young individuals, which should adjust well to aquarium surroundings. As with other large angelfish, Emperors should not be kept in a reef aquarium, because they naturally prey on a wide variety of invertebrates, from corals and tubeworms to sea anemones.

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