Common name: King angelfish
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
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishHolacanthus
- SpeciesKing angelfishHolacanthus passer Valenciennes, 1846
- SynonymsHolacanthus 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.