Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

They exhibit a generally peaceful, albeit slightly bossy, temperament. They are not as inherently belligerent as the Pomacanthus or Holacanthus genera. They make excellent, colorful centerpieces for carefully planned, very large community aquariums.

Diet

Omnivore

They are highly omnivorous and depend heavily on finding marine sponges. Commercial preparations designed specifically for angelfish are critical for long-term survival. Feed plenty of spirulina and chopped mysis shrimp to balance their diet.

Sex ratio

Solitary

They should be kept entirely singly unless a guaranteed mated pair is acquired. Two males in the same tank will result in immediate, catastrophic aggression. Differentiating sexes visually is generally impossible without invasive dissection.

Feeding frequency

TWO_THREE_DAILY

Offer them varied, small meals two to three times per day. They are enthusiastic grazers, so mature live rock is highly beneficial. Without frequent feeding, they are much more likely to start eating expensive corals.

Bioload

This medium-sized angelfish produces a moderate to high bioload. A highly efficient filtration system combined with a strong protein skimmer is required. Regular, disciplined water changes will keep its environment safely pristine.

Flow

Strong

Moderate water flow suits their natural swimming patterns perfectly. Consistent movement helps deliver food throughout the water column during feeding times. It prevents dead spots in the large rock structures they favor.

Jump risk

No

Reproduction

Oviparous

There is currently no reliable data on breeding them in standard home aquaria. Like most angelfish, their pelagic spawning habits require massive water depth. Larval rearing requires specialized microscopic live foods unavailable to hobbyists.

Compatibility & tankmates

Reef safe

It is generally more peaceful than other large angelfish but can still show attitude. It can be housed in a reef tank "with caution" as it may nip at fleshy LPS corals and clam mantles. It pairs well with semi-aggressive tangs and peaceful wrasses.

Tank level

All levels

They spend the majority of their day navigating the middle tank levels. They weave in and out of the rockwork constantly searching for small morsels. Providing a complex aquascape with multiple caves provides them great comfort.