Emperor angelfish
Pomacanthus imperator · Pomacanthidae
Also known as Imperator angelfish
Advanced
A metre-class reef tank fish: spectacular adult colours, but only for very large systems.
In short: An emperor angelfish needs at least 950 L (251 US gal), water at 24–28 °C (75–82 °F) and pH 8.1–8.4. It is semi-aggressive, usually kept singly, and rated advanced to keep.
- Minimum tank
- 950 L (251 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Adult size
- 38 cm (15 in)
- Group size
- 1+
Reef & marine husbandry
- Specific gravity
- 1.023–1.026
- Reef safety
- Not reef safe
- With corals
- Eats sponges, LPS, soft corals and clams.
- With inverts
- Will eat ornamental shrimp.
- Minimum in a mixed reef
- 1500 L (396 US gal)
- Minimum fish-only (FOWLR)
- 950 L (251 US gal)
- Aggression
- Dominant adult; best kept alone of its kind.
- Feeding
- Three feeds daily including sponge matter.
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 950 L (251 US gal)
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)
- pH
- 8.1–8.4
- Hardness
- 8–12 dGH
- Lifespan
- 15–25 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — sponge-based angel formula, nori, mysis, krill.
- Care level
- Advanced
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific
- Water type
- Saltwater
- Biotope
- Coral-rich outer reef and caves
- Natural conditions
- Large volume, strong flow, pristine water.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Minimum group
- 1 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- Large tangsTriggers in FOWLRLarge wrasses
- Avoid
- Other large angelsSmall delicate fishReef tanks
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Advanced
- Sexing
- No reliable external difference; juveniles differ wildly from adults.
- Notes
- Not bred in captivity.
- Common ailments
- Marine ichMarine velvetHLLE
Will it fit your tank?
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