Common name: French angelfish
General information
The French Angelfish, Pomacanthus paru, is a popular and striking species in the marine aquarium trade. Known for its distinctive black body with yellow rimming on its scales and fins, this species adds a touch of elegance to any tank. Juveniles have a completely different coloration, featuring bold yellow and black vertical stripes that gradually change as they mature.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 8.1 to 8.4
- Average size
- 40 cm (1′4″)
- Care level
- Moderate to difficult Needs large tank, complex diet
- Diet
- Omnivore Varied diet incl. algae, meaty foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May nip at corals/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be territorial
- Captive bred
- Yes Bred in specialized facilities
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderPerch-like FishesPerciformes
- FamilyAngelfishesPomacanthidae
- GenusAngelfishPomacanthus
- SpeciesFrench angelfishPomacanthus paru (Bloch, 1787)
- SynonymsChaetodon aureus Bloch, 1787Chaetodon paru Bloch, 1787Pomacanthus aureus (Bloch, 1787)
Care
French Angelfish require a large tank with plenty of swimming space and rockwork to graze on and hide. They are not reef-safe as they tend to nip at stony and soft corals, as well as clams and other sessile invertebrates. A varied diet of marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis shrimp, and other meaty foods is essential for their health.
Reproduction
In the wild, French 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 specific dietary requirements.
Habitat
Native to the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, the French Angelfish is commonly found in shallow reefs, often in pairs. They prefer areas with abundant sponges, their primary food source in the wild, and can be found at depths ranging from 2 to over 100 meters.
The French Angelfish is a captivating addition to large fish-only or semi-reef aquariums, where their beauty and behavior can be appreciated without risking harm to sensitive coral species.