Common name: Angelfish

Scientific name: Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)
The colours of a Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) on the reef off the Dutch Caribbean island of Sint MaartenQueen Angelfish
A Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) in Cozumel, MexicoQueen Angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris, from the Caribbean and Western Atlantic Ocean. This is the juvenile form, at about 3 inches in body length

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

  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
    Angelfish
    Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)
  8. Synonyms
    Angelichthys iodocus (Jordan & Rutter, 1897)
    Chaetodon ciliaris Linnaeus, 1758
    Chaetodon parrae Bloch & Schneider, 1801
    Chaetodon squamulosus Shaw, 1796
    Holacanthus cornutus Desmarest, 1823
    Holacanthus coronatus Desmarest, 1823
    Holacanthus formosus Castelnau, 1855
    Holacanthus iodocus Jordan & Rutter, 1897
    Holacanthus lunatus Blosser, 1909
    Holacanthus 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).