Common name: Semicircle angelfish

Scientific name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831)
Pomacanthus semicirculatusSemicircle angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus)
Koran Angelfish (Pomacanthus Semicirculatus, aka Semicircle Angelfish). Nusa Penida, Bali, IndonesiaSemicircular angelfish, Pomacanthus semicirculatus, Raja Ampat Indonesia.

General information

The Koran Angelfish, scientifically known as Pomacanthus semicirculatus, is a stunning marine fish that is highly sought after in the reefkeeping hobby. This species is known for its striking coloration and patterns, which change dramatically from the juvenile to the adult stage. Juveniles exhibit a blue body with white and blue stripes, while adults have a predominantly blue-green color with a yellow or blue rim on their scales, creating a beautiful semicircular pattern.

Details

Recommended minimum tank volume
500 liter (130 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
40 cm (1′4″)
Care level
Moderate to easy Needs large tank and varied diet
Diet
Omnivore Mysis, spirulina, marine algae
Social
Solo Territorial, best kept alone
Reefsafe
No May nip at corals and clams
Aggression
Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially when mature
Captive bred
No

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
    Semicircle angelfish
    Pomacanthus semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831)
  8. Synonyms
    Holacanthus alternans Cuvier, 1831
    Holacanthus alternans meleagris Alcock, 1896
    Holacanthus alternans meleagris Alcock, 1896
    Holacanthus lepidolepis Bleeker, 1853
    Holacanthus poecilus Peters, 1868
    Holacanthus reginae Liénard, 1891
    Holacanthus semicirculatus Cuvier, 1831
    Pomacanthops alternans Cuv., 1831
    Pomacanthops caeruleus Cuv., 1831 (Ehren)
    Pomacanthops ignatius Playfair, 1867
    Pomacanthops lasti von Bonde, 1934
    Pomacanthops poecilus Peters, 1868
    Pomacanthops reginae Sauvage, 1891 (Lienard)
    Pomacanthops semicirculatus (Cuvier, 1831)
    Pomacanthus semicircularis (Cuvier, 1831)

Care

Koran Angelfish require a spacious aquarium due to their potential size, reaching up to 40 centimeters in length. They need plenty of swimming space and rockwork to graze on and hide among. This species is not considered reef-safe, as adults may nip at stony and soft corals, clams, and large-polyped stony corals. A varied diet of marine algae, spirulina, mysis shrimp, and other high-quality angelfish preparations will help maintain their health and coloration.

Reproduction

In the wild, Koran 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. While breeding in home aquariums is rare, providing a stress-free environment with excellent water quality can encourage spawning behavior.

Habitat

Koran Angelfish are found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the central Pacific. They inhabit coral-rich areas and lagoons, often in clear water near drop-offs, from shallow waters to depths of around 30 meters.