Common name: Arabian angelfish
General information
The Asfur Angelfish, scientifically known as Pomacanthus asfur, is a strikingly beautiful marine fish that is highly sought after by aquarists for its deep blue body and contrasting yellow tail and pectoral fins. The species is named after its natural habitat in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. It is also known for its semi-aggressive temperament and can grow quite large, making it suitable for more experienced hobbyists with larger aquariums.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 750 liter (200 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.023 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs large tank & hiding spots
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. veggies & meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at clam mantles & corals
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishPomacanthus
- SpeciesArabian angelfishPomacanthus asfur (Forsskål, 1775)
- SynonymsArusetta asfur (Forsskål, 1775)Chaetodon asfur Forsskål, 1775Chaetodon asfur amarus Bloch & Schneider, 1801Holacanthus coeruleus Cuvier in Cuvier & Valenciennes, 1831
Care
Asfur Angelfish require a spacious tank of at least 220 gallons to accommodate their size and swimming needs. They thrive in a well-established aquarium with plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. This species is known to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clams, so it is best kept in a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setup. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their vibrant colors and overall health.
Reproduction
In the wild, Asfur Angelfish form monogamous pairs during breeding. They are broadcast spawners, releasing eggs and sperm into the water column where fertilization occurs. The larvae are planktonic and will settle to the reef after several weeks. Breeding in captivity is rare and challenging, requiring a large, mature system and expert care.
Habitat
The Asfur Angelfish is native to the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea, where it is typically found in coral-rich areas and lagoons at depths ranging from 2 to 30 meters. They prefer complex reef structures with plenty of overhangs and caves for shelter.