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Sixband Angelfish

Sixband Angelfish

Pomacanthus Sexstriatus

Quick Facts

Scientific name Pomacanthus Sexstriatus

Other names Sixbanded Angelfish, Six Bar Angelfish, Six Striped Angelfish

Size Up to 46 cm (18 in)

Weight Up to a kilo (2.2 lb)

Distribution

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

Depth Range

Sixband Angelfish Distribution Australia

Interesting Info

The Sixband Angelfish are a semi-aggressive fish and are generally solitary but can be found in pairs. When they do pair up the generally do so for life. Young fish stay in the shallows whilst adults can be found in up to 60 m (196 ft).
Sixband 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.
The Sixband Angelfish is known by snorkelers and divers to grunt in warning when being approached
Juveniles are very different to adults, with dark blue and black colours highlighted by light blue and white lines. The change in juvenile colours to adults starts when the fish reach the length of 8 to 15 cm (3.1 to 5.9 in).
These fish are omnivores and primarily feed on algae, coral 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 Sixband Angelfish also known as the Six Bar Angelfish is a popular reef species known for its dark vertical stripes and grunting noise they make when being approached. 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 Western Pacific Ocean, particularly South Pacific reefs, from Australia and as far north as Japan and Taiwan.