Care
The Emperor Angelfish is an impressive,
showy species that is understandably very popular with aquarists. In the
wild, juveniles have been observed in the semi-protected areas of outer reef
flats, often hidden under ledges or in holes amongst the rockwork. Sub-adults
venture slightly further afield to surge channels, whereas larger, mature
adults inhabit areas of rich coral growth in clear lagoons, channels, and seaward
reefs. The maximum depth they have been observed at is 100m (328ft). The Emperor
Angelfish is a large-growing, active species which requires a voluminous
aquarium. This fish is territorial so provide plenty of live rockwork that has
a multitude of visual barriers and bolt holes, as well as a roomy swimming
space along the front of the tank. Keep only one specimen per tank, and not
with any other angelfish. Tankmates should be equally large and belligerent -
this species should never be kept with invertebrates or small, passive fish. The
aquarium should be well filtered, as these fish are voracious eaters, and there
should be areas of decent current and good levels of oxygenation. Emperor
Angelfish 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 noxious
soft corals. We recommend that the Emperor Angelfish is the last addition to an
aquarium, as otherwise it can behave somewhat pugnaciously when introducing new
tankmates into what it perceives as its established domain. Interestingly, in
the wild, both adults and juvenile Emperor Angelfish have been observed
cleaning much larger species, such as the curious-looking Ocean Sunfish. Juvenile
fish look very different to the adults: young fish are dark-blue/black with concentric
circular white and cyan stripes originating just in front of the caudal
peduncle. Adult fish have a yellow body with blue horizontal stripes and a
bright yellowy-orange caudal fin. A striking black mask covers the eyes and a
large vertical band extends roughly three-quarters of the way up the body from
the vicinity of the pectoral fins. Both the mask and the vertical band are highlighted
with bright blue, and the mouth area is white. The fish shown in the above
photograph is of a sub-adult, and the crossover of the two distinct patterns as
it matures can be clearly seen. Occasionally, juvenile fish do not fully
develop the adult colours and markings in captivity. It is important to offer a
varied diet (see below) in order to retain the vivid colours and to avoid head
and lateral line erosion (HLLE).
Feeding
Should be offered a varied
diet including Spirulina & marine algae as well as meaty fare. Mysis
shrimp, vitamin/Spirulina-enriched brineshrimp, special sponge-based Angelfish
preparations, and finely chopped krill/squid/cockle/mussel, should all be taken
eagerly. Feed small amounts 3 times per day.
Breeding
This species has not been bred
in the home aquarium.
