Care
The Multibarred Angelfish is known from the caves, crevices, and ledges of steep outer reef slopes, and is also occasionally found in clear lagoon reefs. This secretive species is regularly observed in pairs or small groups and often rests upside down, close to a bolt-hole, rarely venturing far from the safety of cover. It is usually found in deeper water, at depths between 20-70m (66-230ft) and is only sporadically seen in the aquarium trade. Multibarred Angelfish are somewhat challenging to keep, so are only suitable for advanced aquarists who are able to set up and conscientiously maintain an aquarium based around this angelfish's specific needs. This is a species that will adapt much more readily to an aquarium with reduced illumination, and additionally, it absolutely must be provided with an abundance of shady hiding places amongst the living rock. It is also essential that this shy, delicate fish is placed into a spacious mature system without aggressive tankmates if it is to do well, and it should be the only angelfish species present in the tank. As Multibarred Angelfish are naturally gregarious, some prefer to maintain these fish as mated pairs, or, in XXL aquaria, in groups of 5+ (do ensure all individuals are of similar size and introduced simultaneously). Ideally, the tank will be both long and wide to allow for plenty of aquascaping with living rock, which, as mentioned above, will help to provide an abundance of dark shady crevices, ledges, and overhangs, and will also provide a decent base for the growth of coral cover. The more hiding places that are provided, the more you will actually see of these fish, as they will soon learn that they can retreat to safety when they feel the need. A larger tank should also ensure that the fish is much more unlikely to continually pick at any one particular sessile invertebrate and cause irreparable damage. However, be aware that sponges and LPS corals will be nipped at, so it is best to stick to soft corals only, and ensure that the fish are continually well-fed (without compromising on water quality). Powerful filtration is a must, as is decent water movement /high level of oxygenation. This is an attractive fish, which, just like the other two members of the same genus (
P. boylei and P. venusta), possesses small, dainty pairs of trailing filaments on each of its dorsal fin spines, and longer filaments on each of the two ventral fins. Juvenile fish sport a large, distinct ocellus on the posterior portion of the dorsal fin. In the wild,
P. multifasciata has been known to hybridise with
P. venusta. May also be seen on sale as the Barred Angelfish or Manybanded Angelfish. ***Prior to purchase, please bear in mind that the Multibarred Angelfish
is a very demanding species that requires an aquarium planned around its well-being; the angelfish should be made the centrepiece of the tank, with all the other variables worked around to suit its specific needs. Experienced aquarists only***
Feeding
Can be challenging to feed. In the wild, Multibarred Angelfish feed on benthic algae, sponges, tunicates, and various hard corals. In the aquarium, this species should be offered a variety of foodstuffs, including Spirulina & marine algae, meaty fare such as vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, special sponge-based Angelfish preparations, zooplankton, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel. However, these are no substitute for a long-established mature system with natural grazing opportunities on and amongst the living rock. Supplementary foodstuffs should be fed in small amounts several times per day. Newly introduced specimens may require target feeding (using a turkey baster) near to their shelter until they gain confidence.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium. In the wild, all Multibarred Angelfish start off as females, and the dominant fish in a group becomes a male (protogynous hermaphroditism).
