Angelfish

© Johan Boshoff

Name

Angelfish (Pomacanthidae)

Size

Angelfish measure at an average of 25 cm but can be as long as 60 cm.

Angelfish Identification

The body of the angelfish is laterally deep and flat. Its mouth is small, its tail rounded or crescent-shaped, and its pectoral fin is large. They vary in colour from silver and grey to rainbow colours.

Angelfish General Info

Angelfish belong to the Pomacanthidae family which comprises of seven genera and about 86 species. Some remain unaccompanied whereas others live in pairs or harems. The larger fish of this species can be rather bold. In their juvenile stage, some species may be cleaners to other fish. They change dramatically in colouration as they mature. Angelfish are diurnal and pelagic spawners.

Angelfish Feeding

Angelfish feed on zooplankton, algae and benthic invertebrates such as sponges and hydroids.

Distribution

They can be found in all tropical and temperate oceans across the world.

Common Species

Regal angelfish - Pygoplites diacanthus Semi-circle angelfish - Pomacanthus semicirculatus Emperor angelfish - Pomacanthus imperator© Johan Boshoff