Common name: rock beauty
General information
The Rock Beauty Angelfish, Holacanthus tricolor, is a vibrant and striking species popular among marine aquarists. It is easily recognizable by its deep yellow and black coloration, with a distinctive blue rim around the eyes and fins. Juveniles have a completely yellow body, which gradually develops the species' characteristic black markings as they mature.
This species is not as commonly kept as some other angelfish due to its specialized dietary needs and larger size. It is also known for being somewhat territorial, especially in smaller aquariums.
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
- 35 cm (1′2″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy 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 Aggressive, esp. in small tanks
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishHolacanthus
- Speciesrock beautyHolacanthus tricolor (Bloch, 1795)
- SynonymsChaetodon tricolor Bloch, 1795Holocanthus tricolor (Bloch, 1795)Pomacanthus tricolor (Bloch, 1795)
Care
Rock Beauty Angelfish require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and live rock for grazing. They are known to nip at stony and soft corals, clams, and other sessile invertebrates, so they are not considered reef-safe. A varied diet is crucial, with a strong emphasis on sponges and other high-quality angelfish preparations that include sponge material.
Reproduction
In the wild, Rock Beauty Angelfish form harems consisting of one male and several females. 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 stage and specific dietary requirements.
Habitat
Rock Beauty Angelfish are found in the Western Atlantic, from Georgia, USA, and Bermuda to the northern coast of South America. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas, typically in depths ranging from 3 to 92 meters (10 to 300 feet), where they graze on sponges and algae.