Marine angelfish

Apolemichthys trimaculatus
Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

The Pomacanthid family is arguably the most well loved family in the marine hobby. Sadly these many of the beautiful fish are tank busters and many fish keepers are unable to keep them. The family consists of 7 Genra and a total of 74 species and range in size from 5.5cm all the way to 60cm. Many hobbyists purchase members of this family as beautiful juveniles. Unfortunately, a large number of the larger angels are no nearly as attractive as adults as they are as young. There are a few exceptions to this, but generally this does hold true for the large angels. The Dwarf angles do not suffer this same fate as most of them remain beautiful and colorful throughout their entire lifespan.

The Apolemichthys Genus

Containing 9 species, the Apolemichthys genus is the third smallest genus in the family with many of the species being rare in the wild. This genus of Angels is not extremely common in the aquarium trade, and for a couple of good reasons. First of all, and most importantly, most members of the Apolemichthys genus are virtually impossible to fed for any length of time in captivity due to their specialized diets. The most popular member of this genus is A. trimaculatus – Flagfin Angelfish (aka Threespot Angelfish) however it's diet is consistent with most members of the genus. The Flagfin Angel is a sponge eater that rarely adapts to to eating captive foods, and most starve within a few weeks of being introduced. For this reason, many of these fish simply cannot be recommended for the hobby.

Second reason, they are very rare. Many of these fish are rare in the wild, and as such as many as possible need to be left in the wild.

The only 2 members of this genus that can be recommended for the hobby, are A. xanthurus – Indian Yellowtail Angelfish, and A. xanthotis – Yellow-ear Angelfish. Both of these species have diets that are suitable for hobbyists to maintain, and both reach a length of only 20cm.

Members of the Apolemichthys genus:
Apolemichthys arcuatus – Banded Angelfish
Apolemichthys armitagei – Armitage Angelfish
Apolemichthys griffisi – Griffis Angelfish
Apolemichthys guezei – Reunion Angelfish
Apolemichthys kingi – Tiger Angelfish
Apolemichthys trimaculatus – Threespot Angelfish (aka Flagfin Angelfish)
Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus – Goldspotted Angelfish
Apolemichthys xanthotis – Yellow-ear Angelfish
Apolemichthys xanthurus – Yellowtail Angelfish

The Centropyge Genus

Centropyge bicolor - Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

Without a doubt, this is the most popular genus of fish in the aquarium hobby. These fish rarely exceed 15cm in length, and as such they are a popular choice for aquariums that are 30-55 gallons. This is the largest genus in the Pomacanthid family with 34 species. Many of the members of this genus are suitable for the home aquarium and are available commercially, however there are a couple to be avoided, and a few that are either extremely rare in the hobby, or non-existent in the hobby.

Dietary requirements for this genus are virtually the same for all species contained therein. The Centropyge species are omnivorous and enjoy a very balanced varied diet. Mysid shirmp, Spirulina, and algae comprise the largest parts of the fish's daily diet, and as such, when kept in the home aquarium a diet containing these things should also be offered. These fish are given to grazing on algae and when none is available in the home aquarium, dried Nori should be offered.

There is much debate as to the safety of these fish in a reef tank. While most reef keepers do not experience any issues with these fish nipping at coral polyps, they can be unpredictable and this experience could easily vary with individual specimens. If the hobbyist is going to keep any member of this genus in a reef tank, close observation should be made to ensure no coral damage is being done.

The most popular member of this genus is, without a doubt, Centropyge loricula - The Flame Angel. Found on Western, Southern, and Central Pacific reefs, this fish is distinguished by is brilliant red colorations and dark stripes with blue tips to the dorsal and anal fins. Depending on the region these fish are found, the red coloration may gradate into a brilliant orange on the sides, thus giving the fish it's popular common. Second only to the Flame Angel in popularity is the beautiful Centropyge bisinosai – Coral Beauty (aka Twospined Angel). This fish is deep purple with a yellow patch on it's belly and depending on the geographic region, there may even be a yellow patch on it's side.

Members of the Centropyge genus:
Centropyge abeii -
Centropyge acanthops – Orangeback Angelfish
Centropyge argi – Cherub Angel
Centropyge aurantia – Golden Angel
Centropyge aurantonotus – Flameback Angel
Centropyge bicolor – Bicolor Angel
Centropyge bisponsa – Coral Beauty
Centropyge boylei – Peppermint Angel
Centropyge colini – Cocos-Keeling Angel
Centropyge debelius – Blue Mauritius Angel
Centropyge eibli – Blacktail Angel
Centropyge ferrugata – Rusty Angel
Centropyge fisheri – Orange Angel (aka Fisher's Angel)
Centropyge flavicauda – Whitetail Angel
Centropyge flavipectoralis – Yellowfin Angel
Centropyge flavissima – Lemonpeel Angel
Centropyge heraldi – Herald's Angel (aka False Lemonpeel)
Centropyge hotumatua – Blackear Angel
Centropyge interruptus – Japanese Angel
Centropyge joculator – Yellowhead Angel
Centropyge loricula – Flame Angel
Centropyge multicolor – Multicolor Angel
Centropyge multifasciata – Barred Angel
Centropyge multispinis – Dusky Angel
Centropyge nahackyi – Nahacky's Angel
Centropyge narcosis – Narc Angel
Centropyge nigriocella – Blackspot Angel
Centropyge nox – Midnight Angel
Centropyge potteri – Potter's Angel
Centropyge replendens – Resplendent Angel
Centropyge shepardi – Shepard's Angel (aka Mango Angel)
Centropyge tibicen – Keyhole Angel
Centropyge venustus – Purplemask Angel
Centropyge vrolikii – Halfblack Angel (aka Pearlscale Angel)

The Chaetodontoplus Genus

Chaetodontoplus meredithi Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

As is frequently the case with scientific names, similar names often indicate similarities in the fish, and the Chaetodontoplus genus is no exception to this. With only the addition of -toplus ending, this genus bears a remarkable resemblance to the Chaetodon genus of Butterfly fishes. The body shape of the Chaetodon and Chaetodontoplus species is strikingly similar, however this is where the similarities end. The diet of the Chaetodontoplus genus is similar to that of the rest of the Pomacanthids, consisting mainly of marine algae, mysid shrimp and other meaty offerings.

These fish are not suitable for most reef aquariums as they will nip at LPS corals, Tridacnid clam mantles and zoanthids and may even eat certain soft corals. The threat to SPS corals is almost non-existent with these fish and in a tank that is entirely comprised of SPS these fish may be added with caution.

One of the most common fish in this genus happens also to be one of the most popular fish in the Pomacanthid family. Chaetodontoplus duboulayii – The Scribbled Angelfish  is popular not only for its strikingly beautiful coloration and markings, but also for it's size and adaptability to captivity. At a maximum length of only 9.8 inches (25cm), this fish is suitable for tanks as small as 125 gallons (6 feet in length). Furthermore, this fish will readily accept captive fare and adjust to the home aquarium provided it is give lots of swimming room and a number of good hiding places.

Members of the Chaetodontoplus genus:
Chaetodontoplus ballinae – Ballina Angel
Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctats – Bluespotted Angel
Chaetodontoplus chrysocephalus – Orangeface Angel
Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus – Conspicuous Angel
Chaetodontoplus dimidiatus – Velvet Angel
Chaetodontoplus duboulayi – Scribbled Angel
Chaetodontoplus melanosoma – Black-velvet Angelfish
Chaetodontoplus meredithi – Queensland Yellowtail Angel
Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus – Vermiculated Angel
Chaetodontoplus niger -
Chaetodontoplus personifer – Blueface Angel
Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis – Bluestriped Angel
Chaetodontoplus vanderloosi -

The Genicanthus Genus

Genicanthus lamarck - Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

The Genicanthus is considered by many to be the oddball genus in the Pomacanthid family. The first major difference we find is in their behavior. The Genicantus species spend most of their time in the open water above the reef feeding primarily on meaty fare and occasionally picking at algae on the reef. The second major difference is that these fish are reef safe fish, posing no threat to either soft or stony corals. Thirdly, this genus of angles is the only genus of angels that has major secondary sexual characteristics. Every species in this family can be sexed simply based on coloration and markings, and all of these differences are very distinct and noticable. For example, Genicanthus watanabei – Watanabe's Angel males have horizontal black stripes on their flanks while the female has a solid blue body. Fourthly, more than one of a given species can be kept in a tank providing only one male is kept. Finally, this genus contains the least colorful of the angelfishes. The most colorful member of this species is arguably Genicanthus semifasciatus  - Japanese Swallowtail Angel followed closely by Genicanthus bellus – Ornate Angel, and Genicanthus melanospilos – Blackspot Angel. Besides these 3 fish, the other 7 members of this genus are colored mainly with silver, black, and muted blues. Even the Ornate Angel is colored with just these 3 colors but in much more striking definition.

Most of these fish adapt very well to captivity. The one species that does require caution is Genicanthus watanabei as they frequently suffer swim bladder issues. Care should be taken when purchasing this fish that they do not have swim bladder issues. Healthy specimens will adapt well to tanks. Keeping them in a dimly lit reef tank will help them to adapt much better.

Members of the Genicanthus genus:
Genicanthus bellus -  Ornate Angel
Genicanthus caudovittatus – Zebra Angel
Genicanthus lamarck – Lamarck's Angel
Genicanthus melanospilos – Blackspot Angel
Genicanthus personatus – Spotbreast Angel
Genicanthus semicinctus – Halfbanded Angel
Genicanthus semifasciatus – Japanese Swallowtail
Genicanthus spinus – Pitcaim Angel
Genicanthus takeuchii -
Genicanthus watanabei – Watanabae's Angel

The Holacanthus Genus

Holacanthus tricolor - Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

This is the genus of giants, it is also a genus of great confusion. There are 61 fish that have at one time or another been listed under the Holacanthus genus, however, there are only 8 species that are valid members. All 8 members of this genus are tank busters for sure, requiring tanks that range from 125 gallons all the way to 300+ gallons. No member of this genus is considered to be even remotely reef safe as all will nip at sessile invertebrates of all kinds. Even small polyp stony corals are at risk of being severely nipped. These fish are definitely suited for the fish only with live rock system, and should almost always be the last fish added to any system. Holacanthus fish are generally quite bellicose with almost anything you add. The Holacanthus fish are also some of the most adaptable angels to captivity with one major exception.

The crowning jewel of the the Holacanthus  genus is the Queen Angelfish -  H. ciliaris. Not only is this fish the crowning jewel of the Holacanthus genus, it is also one of the most highly prized Pomacanthids and is also one of the most treasured fish in the marine hobby. At just under 18 inches (45 cm) in length, this beauty is also on of the largest angels available to the hobbyist. The coloration of H. ciliaris makes it highly prized among hobbyists; few fish in the ocean can match the sensational beauty of this fish. Sadly, few hobbyists are able to provide the appropriate tank to support these giants. Proper housing of H. ciliaris requires a tank of 300 gallons or more with plenty of live rock and lots of dart holes. These fish will thrive in captivity, making the switch from a sponge diet to a captive diet consisting of a good mix of vegetable and meaty fare. A high quality frozen mix that includes sponge is a good idea to offer these fish to help them to adapt to captivity.

The exception to the adaptability of the Holacanthus genus is H. tricolor – The Rock Beauty. These fish are highly sought after by hobbyists however they adapt very poorly to captivity and in almost all cases, starve to death. They are sponge eaters and do not adapt to the captive dietary mix of carnivorous and herbivorous offerings. On a very rare occasion, a specimen will adapt well to captive fare and will thrive in a home aquarium. Unfortunately, it is that slim chance of getting that one specimen that entices many hobbyists to try this fish and sadly, most of them stave. Not only is this a fish for beginners to avoid, it is one that should be avoided by all but the most experienced and expert of hobbyists.

Members of the Holacanthus genus:
Holacanthus africanus – Guinean Angelfish
Holacanthus bermudensis – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris – Queen Angelfish
Holacanthus clarionensis – Clarion Angelfish
Holacanthus isabelita – Blue Angelfish
Holacanthus limbaughi – Clipperton Angelfish
Holacanthus passer – King Angelfish
Holacanthus tricolor – Rock Beauty Angelfish

Juvenile Pomacanthus imperator Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

The Pomacanthus Genus

This genus is quite possibly the most commonly thought of genus when discussing the Pomacanthid family. Like the Holacanthus genus, the Pomacanthus genus is home to some of the giants of the family. Nearly every one of the species in this genus reaches 12 inches (30cm) in length with most being 15 inches (38cm) or larger. This genus is unique among the Pomacanthids, in that it contains a sub-genus. The sub-genus Euxiphipops contains only 3 fish, P. navarchus, P. sexstriatus, and P. xanthometopon, and is frequently mistakenly elevated to the level of genus by many hobbyists. Like most other genera in the family, the members of this genus are not considered to be reef safe as they will nip at most sessile invertebrates. Some members are safe with small polyp stony corals, however not all. Another great feature of this genus is the striking difference in coloration between juveniles and adults. Frequently, the juvenile coloraiton of these fish bears little resemblance to their adult colors. Picking one that goes through the greatest change form juvenile to adult is practically impossible to do as they all go through such a drastic change.

The dietary requirements for all members of the Pomacanthus genus are quite similar with all of them being omnivores. Their diet should contain large amounts of vegetable matter along with meaty offerings such as mysid shrimp. Most members of this genus will adapt quite well to eating in captivity and are hearty, robust aquarium inhabitants.

Pomacanthis imperator –  The Emperor Angelfish; without a doubt, this fish is the king of the Pomacanthids. At 15 inches (38cm) in length and with a coloration to make anyone stop and stare, this fish is a true jewel of the ocean. Sadly this fish also requires a very large tank; 180gal minimum. The Emperor Angelfish also has the distinction of being one of the few members of the Pomacanthus genus that can frequently be kept in a SPS dominated tank, however clams would be out as they will have their mantles shredded. As with all angles though, it is no guarantee that individual specimens will not bother some SPS.

Pomacanthus euxiphipops navarchus – Magestic Angelfish: this fish is is one of the best choices out of the Pomacanthus genus for a SPS dominated tank. Hobbyists frequently keep these fish in reef tanks comprised entirely of SPS corals and more noxious soft corals.

Members of the Pomacanthus genus:
Pomacanthus annularis - Bluering Angelfish
Pomacanthis arcuatus – Gray Angelfish
Pomacanthuis asfur – Arabian Angelfish (Asfur Angelfish)
Pomacanthus chrysurus – Goldtail Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator – Emperor Angelfish (Imperator Angelfish)
Pomacanthus maculosus – Yellowbar Angelfish
Pomacanthus euxiphipops navarchus – Magestic Angelfish (Bluegirdled Angelfish)
Pomacanthus paru – French Angelfish
Pomacanthus rhomboides – Old Woman Angelfish
Pomacanthus semicirculatus – Semicircle Angelfish (Halfcircled Angelfish)
Pomacanthus euxiphipops sexstriatus – Sixbar Angelfish
Pomacanthus euxiphipops xanthometopon – Blueface Angelfish (Yellowface Angelfish)
Pomacanthus zonipectus – Cortez Angelfish

The Pygoplites Genus

Pygoplites diacanthus - Copyright www.jjphoto.dk

This genus is easily the smallest genus in the Pomacanthid family, containing just one member. Pygoplites diacanthus – The Regal Angelfish is another beautiful member of this family, but is somewhat delicate. Not all specimens will adapt to captive life very well, however this is an issue that can be somewhat overcome. Specimens that are collected form the Red Sea and Indian ocean have proven to be more adaptable to aquarium life then do those that are captured in the Pacific Ocean. Much of this difference has been ascribed to collection methods and not to the environment itself. Unlike many of the other pomacanthids, these fish, while being omnivores, are mainly carnivorous in their diet but do also accept herbivorous offerings. When it comes to reef compatibility, these fish are typical marine angelfish, in that they are not a good good choice with large-polyp stony corals, most soft corals, and clams, but are generally okay to keep with SPS corals. Again, this varies from specimen to specimen, but this is the general case with these fish.

The Pomacanthid family is truly one full of beautiful fish that are rewarding to keep. They are a stunning addition to any appropriate marine setup. The key to the Pomacanthids is the same as all marine fish: research the desired species, know what you are getting into, and be sure you can provide the proper environment.