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Fish Guide |  |
Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Natural Range: Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
Depth: 10 to 262 ft. Size: 14.5 in. Jumps: No Space: 135+ gal.
Reef Safe: No Care Level: Easy Temperament: Caution
Diet: sponges, tunicates
Natural History: Juvenile Emperor Angelfish are found in shallow-water recesses in lagoons, patch reefs, and channels. Adults are found in deeper water in caves and under ledges on reef slopes and faces. They juvenile color pattern is markedly different from the adult form. Juveniles may feed on mucus and skin parasites of other fish. The Emperor Angelfish is one of the most colorful angels.
Husbandry: Emperor Angelfish must be fed an enriched diet to avoid head and lateral line erosion (HLLE). The standard transition from juvenile to adult coloration is never a guarantee in the aquarium. Large male Emperor Angelfish are generally intolerant of other male Emperors in the same aquarium.
Reproduction: Males court females by fluttering and displaying. Females that are receptive swim upwards in the water column and release gametes with the males up to 30 feet off the sea floor.