Common name: Guinean angelfish

Scientific name: Holacanthus africanus Cadenat, 1951
Blue-girdled angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus) Raja Ampat Archipelago, Papua Barat, West New Guinea, Pacific Ocean, Indonesia, Asia

General information

The African Pompano Angelfish, scientifically known as Holacanthus africanus, is a striking marine fish that adds a touch of elegance to any saltwater aquarium. This species is known for its vibrant coloration, typically a deep blue or purple body with bright yellow or orange accents on the edges of its fins and tail. As a member of the Pomacanthidae family, it shares many characteristics with other angelfish, including a laterally compressed body and a small mouth adapted for nibbling on various foods.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
300 liter (79 gallons)
Salinity
S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
Temperature
22 to 27 °C (72 to 81 °F)
Acidity
pH 8.1 to 8.4
Average size
38 cm (1′3″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Sensitive to water quality.
Diet
Omnivore Varied diet incl. sponges.
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone.
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals/inverts.
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be territorial.
Captive bred
No

Taxonomy

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Perch-like Fishes
    Perciformes
  5. Family
    Angelfishes
    Pomacanthidae
  6. Genus
    Angelfish
    Holacanthus
  7. Species
    Guinean angelfish
    Holacanthus africanus Cadenat, 1951
  8. Synonyms
    Holocanthus africanus Cadenat, 1951

Care

Caring for the African Pompano Angelfish requires a spacious tank to accommodate its size, as adults can reach up to 18 inches in length. They thrive in well-established aquariums with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is known to be semi-aggressive, particularly towards conspecifics or other angelfish species, so careful consideration should be given when adding them to a community tank. A varied diet of marine-based proteins, algae, and vitamin-enriched foods will help maintain their vibrant coloration and overall health.

Reproduction

In the wild, African Pompano Angelfish are oviparous, with pairs forming during the breeding season. They engage in a courtship dance before spawning, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column. In the aquarium setting, breeding is rare, but with the right conditions, it is possible to witness this fascinating behavior.

Habitat

The African Pompano Angelfish is native to the Eastern Atlantic, from the Gulf of Guinea to Angola. It is typically found in shallow reefs and rocky areas, where it can graze on sponges, tunicates, and algae. Hobbyists should aim to replicate these conditions to provide a comfortable environment for their angelfish.