Animal Profiles
Fish

Angelfish

Pomacanthidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Marine angelfishes differ from the freshwater aquarium fishes with the same common name. This account follows the French angelfish, an Atlantic reef fish whose appearance changes markedly as it grows.

French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru), the representative described here.

French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru), the representative described here.

Diego Delso · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Pomacanthus paru is the representative here. It uses Atlantic coral reefs and nearby rocky or grassy areas with hiding places. Crevices provide shelter at night.
Habitat
Coral reef, Coast
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Young French angelfish clean parasites from other fishes.

Classification

Common name
Angelfish
Browse group
Fish
Scientific name or taxon
Pomacanthidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Perciformes
Family
Pomacanthidae
Source classification
Actinopterygii

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Juveniles have yellow body bands.
  • Young fish can act as cleaners.
  • Sponges are important adult foods.

Habitat and range

Pomacanthus paru is the representative here. It uses Atlantic coral reefs and nearby rocky or grassy areas with hiding places. Crevices provide shelter at night.

Appearance and adaptations

Juveniles have conspicuous yellow bands on a dark body. Adults develop yellow-edged dark scales and a paler face. A strong spine near the gill cover distinguishes marine angelfishes from butterflyfishes.

Diet and behaviour

Young French angelfish clean parasites from other fishes. Adults eat many attached reef animals, especially sponges, and often move about in pairs. Feeding and sheltering are organised around the reef.

Sources

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