Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Aggressive

They are highly aggressive, incredibly bold, and unapologetically dominant. They will actively challenge any new additions to the aquarium without hesitation. Despite this pugnacious attitude, they become highly interactive with their caretakers.

Diet

Omnivore

This large omnivore heavily relies on marine sponges naturally found on reefs. High-quality commercial angelfish foods containing sponge extracts are non-negotiable for their health. Supplement heavily with marine algae, nori, and chunky meaty seafoods.

Sex ratio

Solitary

Always keep this intensely territorial species completely solitary. Combining two individuals will inevitably lead to horrific aggression and eventual death. They naturally claim massive areas of the reef exclusive to themselves.

Feeding frequency

TWO_THREE_DAILY

Provide highly nutritious meals two to three times every day. Allowing them to actively graze on seasoned live rock provides necessary supplemental nutrition. Underfed individuals will quickly lose their vibrant coloration and succumb to disease.

Bioload

The Sixbar angelfish generates a massive bioload due to its large appetite and eventual size. Robust, oversized filtration systems are absolutely mandatory for keeping this fish healthy. Strict water changing schedules must be maintained to control accumulating dissolved organics.

Flow

Moderate

Strong, chaotic water flow is highly preferred to simulate deep reef currents. It provides the essential gas exchange needed to support their immense oxygen requirements. It also stimulates their natural, active swimming behaviors.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

Successful breeding inside a private home aquarium has never been documented. They practice broadcast spawning which demands deep, open oceanic water columns. The microscopic larvae are notoriously difficult to feed and keep alive.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

It is aggressively territorial toward other angelfish and will dominate passive tankmates. It is entirely unsuitable for reef tanks as it will enthusiastically consume most corals. Keep only with similarly large, aggressive fish in expansive fish-only systems.

Tank level

All levels

They dynamically utilize the entire vertical space of the aquarium environment. Enormous open swimming channels must be provided alongside massive, sturdy rock structures. They will constantly weave through the rockwork inspecting for food.