Common name: Angelfishes
Pomacanthidae, commonly known as angelfishes, are a family of vibrant and strikingly beautiful marine fish found predominantly in the shallow reefs of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. These fish are renowned for their vivid colors and intricate patterns, making them a popular choice among reef aquarium enthusiasts. Angelfish possess laterally compressed bodies and a distinctive dorsal fin that often extends into elegant filaments, contributing to their graceful appearance.
One of the most fascinating aspects of angelfish is their complex social behavior and territorial nature. Many species exhibit fascinating color changes as they mature, with juveniles often displaying different patterns and hues compared to adults. This can be particularly intriguing for hobbyists who enjoy observing these transformations over time. However, their territorial behavior means that they can be aggressive towards other fish, especially if the tank is overcrowded or lacks sufficient hiding spots.
Angelfish have specific dietary requirements that must be met to ensure their health and longevity. They are omnivorous, feeding on a mix of algae, sponges, and small invertebrates in the wild. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet that includes high-quality marine flake food, frozen or live brine shrimp, and spirulina. Providing a balanced diet is crucial, as poor nutrition can lead to health issues such as lateral line erosion.
When considering angelfish for a home aquarium, it's important to research the specific species, as they vary in size, temperament, and care requirements. Some species, like the dwarf angelfishes, are more suitable for smaller tanks, while others, such as the Pomacanthus imperator and Pygoplites diacanthus, require larger environments to accommodate their size and territorial nature. With proper care and attention to their needs, angelfish can be a stunning and rewarding addition to a marine aquarium.
- Common name: Bandit AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys arcuatus
- Common name: Armitage's AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys armitagei
- Common name: Griffis AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys griffisi
- Common name: Reunion AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys guezei
- Common name: Tiger AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys kingi
- Common name: Three-spot AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys trimaculatus
- Common name: Goldflake AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys xanthopunctatus
- Common name: Yellow-ear AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys xanthotis
- Common name: Yellowtail AngelfishScientific name: Apolemichthys xanthurus
- Common name: African Flameback AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge acanthops
- Common name: Cherub AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge argi
- Common name: Golden AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge aurantia
- Common name: Flameback AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge aurantonotus
- Common name: Bicolor AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge bicolor
- Common name: Coral Beauty AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge bispinosa
- Common name: Peppermint AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge boylei
- Common name: Colin's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge colini
- Common name: Blue Mauritius AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge debelius
- Common name: Eibli AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge eibli
- Common name: Rusty AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge ferrugata
- Common name: Fisher's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge fisheri
- Common name: Yellowfin AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge flavipectoralis
- Common name: Lemonpeel AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge flavissima
- Common name: Herald's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge heraldi
- Common name: Blackear AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge hotumatua
- Common name: Japanese AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge interrupta
- Common name: Joculator AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge joculator
- Common name: Flame AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge loriculus
- Common name: Multicolor AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge multicolor
- Common name: Dusky AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge multispinis
- Common name: Nahacky's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge nahackyi
- Common name: Narc AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge narcosis
- Common name: Blackspot AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge nigriocella
- Common name: Midnight AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge nox
- Common name: Potter's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge potteri
- Common name: Resplendent AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge resplendens
- Common name: Shepard's AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge shepardi
- Common name: Keyhole AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge tibicen
- Common name: Purplemask AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge venusta
- Common name: Pearlscale AngelfishScientific name: Centropyge vrolikii
- Common name: Ballina AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus ballinae
- Common name: Blue-spotted AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus caeruleopunctatus
- Common name: Orangeface AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus chrysocephalus
- Common name: Conspicuous AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus conspicillatus
- Common name: Scribbled AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus duboulayi
- Common name: Black Velvet AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus melanosoma
- Common name: Queensland Yellowtail AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus meredithi
- Common name: Vermiculated angelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus
- Common name: Black angelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus niger
- Common name: Yellowtail angelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus personifer
- Common name: Greytail AngelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus poliourus
- Common name: Bluestriped angelfishScientific name: Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis
- Common name: Bellus AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus bellus
- Common name: Zebra angelfishScientific name: Genicanthus caudovittatus
- Common name: Lamark's angelfishScientific name: Genicanthus lamarck
- Common name: Swallowtail AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus melanospilos
- Common name: Masked AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus personatus
- Common name: Halfbanded AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus semicinctus
- Common name: Japanese SwallowScientific name: Genicanthus semifasciatus
- Common name: Pitcairn AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus spinus
- Common name: Takeuchi's AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus takeuchii
- Common name: Blackedged AngelfishScientific name: Genicanthus watanabei
- Common name: Guinean AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus africanus
- Common name: Blue AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus bermudensis
- Common name: Queen AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus ciliaris
- Common name: Clarion AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus clarionensis
- Common name: Clipperton AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus limbaughi
- Common name: King AngelfishScientific name: Holacanthus passer
- Common name: Rock BeautyScientific name: Holacanthus tricolor
- Common name: Barred AngelfishScientific name: Paracentropyge multifasciata
- Common name: Blue Ring AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus annularis
- Common name: Gray AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
- Common name: Arabian AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus asfur
- Common name: Goldtail AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus chrysurus
- Common name: Emperor AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus imperator
- Common name: Yellowbar AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus maculosus
- Common name: Majestic AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus navarchus
- Common name: French AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus paru
- Common name: Old Woman AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus rhomboides
- Common name: Koran AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
- Common name: Sixbar AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus sexstriatus
- Common name: Blueface AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus xanthometopon
- Common name: Cortez AngelfishScientific name: Pomacanthus zonipectus
- Common name: Regal AngelfishScientific name: Pygoplites diacanthus