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Blue Angelfish

Blue Angelfish

Pomacanthus Semicirculatus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pomacanthus Semicirculatus

Other names Blue Angel, Half-circled Angelfish, Koran Angelfish, Semicircle Angelfish, Zebra Angelfish

Size Up to 40 cm (15 in)

Weight Under a kilo (2.2lb)

Distribution

Habitat & AU Distribution Clear lagoons, reefs, and surge channels.

Depth Range

Interesting Info

The Blue Angelfish are a semi-aggressive fish and are generally solitary but can be found in pairs. Young fish stay in the shallows whilst adults can be found in up to 40 m (130 ft).
Blue Angelfish like many other angelfish are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs and sperm towards the top of the water column or surface at dusk. The fertilised eggs then float with the current and eventually settle on the bottom.
Juveniles appear very different to adults, with dark blue and black colours highlighted by curved/circular light blue and white lines. They are often confused for juvenile Emperor Angelfish. The change in juvenile colours to adults starts when the fish reach the length of 8 to 16 cm (3.1 to 6.3 in).
These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on algae and sponges, but also eat small invertebrates, zooplankton and plants.
Estimates on lifespan have them reaching up to 21 years of age.
The main predators of angelfish include sharks, larger predatory fish and marine mammals.

Species Interaction

Aquarium & Reef

The Blue Angelfish also known as the Koran Angelfish is a popular reef species known for its unique colours and hardiness as an aquarium fish. Juvenile fish typically stay in the shallows of inner reefs and lagoons whilst adults can be found on the outer reef in caves or crevices.

The fish has a large range across the tropical Indo-West Pacific Ocean, to the Red Sea, Australia and as far north as Japan.