Common name: French angelfish

Scientific name: Pomacanthus paru (Bloch, 1787)
 French angelfish,Pomacanthus paruFrench angelfish (Pomacanthus paru).

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

  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
    Pomacanthus
  7. Species
    French angelfish
    Pomacanthus paru (Bloch, 1787)
  8. Synonyms
    Chaetodon aureus Bloch, 1787
    Chaetodon paru Bloch, 1787
    Pomacanthus 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.