Angelfish
ExploreFish
Angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator
Angelfish are colorful fish that swim gracefully in the water. They have beautiful fins and enjoy living in groups.
Habitat: Angelfish are found in warm freshwater rivers and lakes, often hiding among plants.
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.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassActinopteriOrderPerciformesFamilyPomacanthidaeGenusChaetodontoplus
Category
FishRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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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
Ability
Coral Camouflage
Angelfish has a flattened body shape that helps them slip through tight coral spaces to hide from predators.
Ability
Sharp Defense
Angelfish has a sharp spine near its gill cover that helps them defend against predators when threatened.
Ability
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.
shelters
Staghorn coral
Acropora millepora
Angelfish hide among coral branches from predators.
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Freshwater AngelfishPterophyllum
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Watch quietly from a distance and never try to feed or chase wild animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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
How deep can Angelfish go?
50 m
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