ExploreFish

French Angelfish

Pomacanthus paru

The French Angelfish is a striking black and yellow fish. It often swims in pairs and is very curious about its surroundings.

Habitat: Coral reefs

Appearance

The French Angelfish has a striking dark body with bright yellow-edged scales, distinct yellow pectoral fins, and a prominent white mouth. Juveniles are solid black with vivid yellow vertical bands. Its unique patterns and bold colors make it stand out on the reef.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopterygiiOrderPerciformesFamilyPomacanthidaeGenusPomacanthus

French Angelfish

Interesting facts

Their striking adult patterns develop from simple striped juvenile markings!

They blow jets of water to uncover snacks hidden in the sand!

They form strong pairs that often stay together for their entire lives.

Young French Angelfish are cleaner fish, removing tiny bugs from bigger reef creatures!

Special abilities

French Angelfish can change their colors drastically from juvenile to adult because it helps them blend in or signal their maturity.

French Angelfish has special cleaning behavior that helps them remove parasites from other fish, keeping the reef healthy.

French Angelfish has strong brush-like teeth that helps them scrape algae and sponges from rocks and coral.

Measurements & details

Length: 25-40 cm
Weight: 0.5-1.5 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Swim Speed: 8 km/h
Max Depth: 100 m
Water Type: Saltwater

Diet & Feeding

These angelfish are omnivores, munching on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates.

Age differences: Juveniles mostly eat parasites off other fish, while adults eat a wider variety of reef foods.

Primary Foods

sponges
tunicates
algae
zoantharians
small crustaceans

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Branching Tube Sponge

Amphimedon compressa

A favorite meal for adult angelfish.

symbiotic with

Doctorfish

Acanthurus chirurgus

Juveniles clean parasites from their skin.

eaten by

Black Grouper

Mycteroperca bonaci

A large reef predator that hunts angelfish.

Traits

Wildlife

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Social

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Colorful

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