Common name: King angelfish

Scientific name: Holacanthus passer Valenciennes, 1846
King angelfish (Holacanthus passer).Passer Angelfish..(Holacanthus passer) or King Angelfish swimming in reef tank

General information

The King Angelfish, scientifically known as Holacanthus passer, is a vibrant and striking species popular among marine aquarists. This fish is known for its royal blue body, accented with a vertical white band behind its head and a bright orange tail. Juveniles have a different coloration, featuring a blue body with vertical white bars and a yellow tail, which gradually changes as they mature.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
500 liter (130 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
35 cm (1′2″)
Care level
Moderate to difficult Needs large tank, varied diet
Diet
Omnivore Mysis, squid, spirulina
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals/inverts
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be territorial/aggressive
Captive bred
Yes Rarely bred in captivity

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
    King angelfish
    Holacanthus passer Valenciennes, 1846
  8. Synonyms
    Holacanthus strigatus Gill, 1862

Care

King Angelfish require a large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to mimic their natural habitat. They are known to be semi-aggressive, especially towards other angelfish, so careful consideration should be given when adding them to a community tank. A varied diet of marine algae, meaty foods, and angelfish preparations will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, King Angelfish form monogamous pairs during breeding. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. Raising the larvae in captivity is challenging due to their planktonic nature and the need for microscopic food during the early stages of development.

Habitat

Native to the Eastern Pacific, Holacanthus passer is found from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands. They inhabit rocky reefs and prefer areas with strong water movement, typically at depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters.