# Angelfish (*Pomacanthus imperator*) Angelfish are colorful fish that swim gracefully in the water. They have beautiful fins and enjoy living in groups. - **Category:** [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/fish) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Angelfish are found in warm freshwater rivers and lakes, often hiding among plants. - **Also known as:** Freshwater Angelfish, Pterophyllum ![Angelfish](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426310/objects/4745.jpg) ## Appearance The Angelfish has a striking body with six dark vertical bands and a bright yellow tail. Its body is often a pale white or blue, contrasting with the vibrant yellow and blue fins. This distinct pattern makes it visually stand out in coral reef environments. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Actinopteri - **Order:** Perciformes - **Family:** Pomacanthidae - **Genus:** Chaetodontoplus ## Interesting facts - Baby Angelfish often have completely different colors and patterns than their parents! - Many Angelfish can change their gender during life! - Some angelfish can live for over 20 years in the warm ocean waters! - They defend their special patch of coral reef very bravely! ## Special abilities - **Coral Camouflage:** Angelfish has a flattened body shape that helps them slip through tight coral spaces to hide from predators. - **Sharp Defense:** Angelfish has a sharp spine near its gill cover that helps them defend against predators when threatened. - **Dietary Scrapers:** Angelfish can scrape algae because they have specialized teeth that help them clean rocks and corals. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 15-46 cm - **Weight:** 0.1-0.8 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-20 years - **Swim Speed:** 8 km/h - **Maximum Depth:** 50 m - **Water Type:** Saltwater ## Diet & Feeding Angelfish graze on algae and nibble on tiny ocean critters found on reefs. - **Age differences:** Juveniles may eat more algae and detritus than adults. - **Primary Foods:** Algae, Sponges, Tunicates, Small crustaceans, Worms - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Whitetip reef shark (*Triaenodon obesus*) — Large sharks can prey on adult angelfish. - **Eaten by:** Giant grouper (*Epinephelus lanceolatus*) — Massive groupers are known predators of reef fish. - **Eats:** Tube sponge (*Siphonochalina siphonella*) — They feed on various sponge species found on reefs. - **Eats:** Forked felt-alga (*Dictyota dichotoma*) — Angelfish help control algal growth on coral reefs. - **Shelter:** Staghorn coral (*Acropora millepora*) — Angelfish hide among coral branches from predators. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Freshwater](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/freshwater): Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. ## Collections - [Fish](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/fish) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Angelfish? Look at body shape, where the fins sit and their outline, mouth position, stripes and spots. Young fish and breeding adults can wear different patterns, and aquarium color varieties can look nothing like wild fish. Fish Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Angelfish? 15-46 cm ### How much does Angelfish weigh? 0.1-0.8 kg ### How long does Angelfish live? 10-20 years ### What does Angelfish eat? Angelfish graze on algae and nibble on tiny ocean critters found on reefs. ### How fast can Angelfish swim? 8 km/h ### Where is Angelfish usually found? Angelfish are found in warm freshwater rivers and lakes, often hiding among plants. ### How does Angelfish hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Waikiki Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/waikiki-aquarium) — Hawaii, US · Zoo - [Boston Aquarial and Zoological Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/boston-aquarial-and-zoological-gardens) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo - [Barnum's Aquarial Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barnums-aquarial-gardens) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo [View all places to see Angelfish](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/angelfish) ## More Fish - [Rainbow Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-trout) (*Oncorhynchus mykiss*) - [Brown Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-trout) (*Salmo trutta*) - [Brook Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brook-trout) (*Salvelinus fontinalis*) - [Lake Trout](https://www.snappit.app/explore/lake-trout) (*Salvelinus namaycush*) --- Source: [Angelfish: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/angelfish)