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Emperor Angelfish

Fish · Least Concern

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator

About

The emperor angelfish is a reef-associated marine angelfish native to the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ranging from the Red Sea to Hawaii and the Austral Islands. Its populations are stable and it faces no serious extinction risk. The striking, intricate colour pattern makes it a long-standing favourite among photographers, artists and aquarists.

Family
Pomacanthidae
Avg size
30-40 cm
Habitat
It is found at depths from 1 to 100 metres (3.3 to 328.1 ft). Adults occupy areas of rich coral growth on clear lagoon, channel or seaward reefs, where they are usually seen tucked beneath ledges and inside caves. Subadults often shelter in reef cavities and along surge channels on seaward reefs, while juveniles hide below ledges, in reef hollows and in sheltered spots in channels and over outer reef flats.
Behaviour
Its diet consists of sponges, tunicates and other encrusting organisms. The species forms pairs, and both juveniles and adults may behave as cleaner fish, picking ectoparasites off larger fishes. When alarmed, it can produce a knocking sound.

Where & when

Where & When to See It

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