Common name: Angelfish
General information
The Queen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris, is a vibrant and highly prized species in the marine aquarium trade. Known for its striking blue and yellow coloration, this species is a true jewel of the reef. The Queen Angelfish has a distinctive 'crown' - a circular, electric blue marking on its forehead, which is the origin of its common name.
Juveniles have a different color pattern, featuring blue bodies with yellow lips, edges on their fins, and vertical bars on their body. As they mature, their coloration changes to the adult pattern.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 550 liter (150 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 45 cm (1′6″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs a varied diet and space
- Diet
- Omnivore Enjoys mysis, spirulina, and algae
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at stony corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially to conspecifics
- Captive bred
- Yes Available as captive-bred
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishHolacanthus
- SpeciesAngelfishHolacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)
- SynonymsAngelichthys iodocus (Jordan & Rutter, 1897)Chaetodon ciliaris Linnaeus, 1758Chaetodon parrae Bloch & Schneider, 1801Chaetodon squamulosus Shaw, 1796Holacanthus cornutus Desmarest, 1823Holacanthus coronatus Desmarest, 1823Holacanthus formosus Castelnau, 1855Holacanthus iodocus Jordan & Rutter, 1897Holacanthus lunatus Blosser, 1909Holacanthus squamulosus (Shaw in Shaw & Nodder, 1796)Holocanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)Holocanthus lunatus Blosser, 1909
Care
Queen Angelfish require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and hiding places. They are not the easiest fish to keep due to their specific dietary and habitat needs. A varied diet of marine sponges, algae, and meaty foods is essential for their health. They can be territorial, especially towards other angelfish, so careful consideration should be given when adding tank mates.
Reproduction
In the wild, Queen Angelfish form monogamous pairs during breeding. They are known to perform a unique mating ritual that involves rising up in the water column, releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously. In the aquarium, breeding is rare and challenging, but not impossible for experienced aquarists.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic, from Bermuda and the Bahamas, all the way to Brazil, the Queen Angelfish is typically found in coral reefs, especially in areas with abundant sponges, which are a crucial part of their diet. They can be found at depths ranging from shallow waters to about 70 meters (230 feet).