Care
The Emperor Angelfish is an impressive,showy species that is understandably very popular with aquarists. In thewild, juveniles have been observed in the semi-protected areas of outer reefflats, often hidden under ledges or in holes amongst the rockwork. Sub-adultsventure slightly further afield to surge channels, whereas larger, matureadults inhabit areas of rich coral growth in clear lagoons, channels, and seawardreefs. The maximum depth they have been observed at is 100m (328ft). The EmperorAngelfish is a large-growing, active species which requires a voluminousaquarium. This fish is territorial so provide plenty of live rockwork that hasa multitude of visual barriers and bolt holes, as well as a roomy swimmingspace along the front of the tank. Keep only one specimen per tank, and notwith any other angelfish. Tankmates should be equally large and belligerent -this species should never be kept with invertebrates or small, passive fish. Theaquarium should be well filtered, as these fish are voracious eaters, and thereshould be areas of decent current and good levels of oxygenation. EmperorAngelfish feed on many sessile invertebrates in the wild, including sponges,stony corals, and tunicates, so it is not a safe species for every set up;however, it can usually be kept successfully alongside some of the more noxioussoft corals. We recommend that the Emperor Angelfish is the last addition to anaquarium, as otherwise it can behave somewhat pugnaciously when introducing newtankmates into what it perceives as its established domain. Interestingly, inthe wild, both adults and juvenile Emperor Angelfish have been observedcleaning much larger species, such as the curious-looking Ocean Sunfish. Juvenilefish look very different to the adults: young fish are dark-blue/black with concentriccircular white and cyan stripes originating just in front of the caudalpeduncle. Adult fish have a yellow body with blue horizontal stripes and abright yellowy-orange caudal fin. A striking black mask covers the eyes and alarge vertical band extends roughly three-quarters of the way up the body fromthe vicinity of the pectoral fins. Both the mask and the vertical band are highlightedwith bright blue, and the mouth area is white. The fish shown in the abovephotograph is of a sub-adult, and the crossover of the two distinct patterns asit matures can be clearly seen. Occasionally, juvenile fish do not fullydevelop the adult colours and markings in captivity. It is important to offer avaried diet (see below) in order to retain the vivid colours and to avoid headand lateral line erosion (HLLE).
Feeding
Should be offered a varieddiet including Spirulina & marine algae as well as meaty fare. Mysisshrimp, vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, special sponge-based Angelfishpreparations, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel, should all be takeneagerly. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bredin the home aquarium.
