Care
The Bandit Angelfish is known from Hawaii and the Johnston Atoll, where it is found at current-swept rocky and coral reefs, close to ledges, overhangs, and caves. They are usually observed at depths between 12-50m (39-164ft) feeding on sponges and tunicates, but a number of individuals have been observed from submarines at depths as far down as 183m (600ft). This striking angelfish - with its pearly white body and bold black bar running across the upper side from the front of the eye to the posterior of the dorsal fin, and a similar broad black band running sub-marginally on the caudal and anal fins - is rarely seen in the trade, and as such, tends to command a hefty price tag when it is available. This is a challenging fish to keep in the home aquarium because of its specialised feeding requirements, and an ongoing source of frozen sponge-based Angelfish rations is requisite in its long term care. Bandit Angelfish will always fare best in spacious, mature aquaria with an abundance of live rock and an open swimming space along the front of the tank. Established systems will provide much more in the way of nutritious micro-invertebrates in the living rock and this will help to supplement the specialised diet. In smaller systems, such critters will be quickly depleted, which is why it is doubly important that this active fish is given ample space. Bandit Angelfish demand excellent water quality - thoroughly filtered and well oxygenated, with areas of decent current. Keep only one per tank, and not with any other angelfish. If you have your heart set on one of these beautiful fish and can meet all its requirements, it is best to try and acquire a smaller specimen as these have the best record of acclimatising well to the home aquarium. When first introduced, it may be quite shy and spend some time hiding amongst the rockwork, but it will soon gain confidence as it settles in and grows. Do not house with prized corals and sponges, as these will be eaten (see Reef Aquarium Compatibility below). May also be seen on sale as the Black-banded Angelfish or Banded Angelfish. Captive bred specimens are sometimes available. Not suitable for beginners.
Feeding
Should be offered a varied diet consisting mainly of special sponge-based Angelfish preparations (available as frozen cubes), plus meaty fare such as Mysis shrimp, vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel, plus Spirulina & marine algae. Feed small amounts at least 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not reproduced in the home aquarium, but it has been bred in captivity at an aquaculture centre in Hawaii on a couple of occasions.
