Page 256 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

254 MARINE FISH DIRECTORY

Pomacanthus maculosus Pomacanthus semicirculatus
Yellow Bar Angelfish Koran Angelfish

ORIGINS Throughout the Persian Gulf and Red Sea, ORIGINS Widely distributed, ranging from the Red Sea
extending into northwestern parts of the Indian Ocean. throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 16 in (40 cm).
DIET Animal-based foods and plant matter. DIET Eats both plant and animal matter.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Bold and fearless. TEMPERAMENT Territorial.
Although it ranks among the most expensive The juvenile form of the Koran Angelfish has a
of all angelfish, the Yellow Bar is one of the pattern of curving lines running along its body.
most easily kept of the larger species, As this angelfish matures, its blue background
thanks partly to its curiosity. Its coloration is mainly replaced by brown, with
inquisitive nature means that it can be blue edging to the fins and stripes across the face
weaned quite easily onto a range of becoming evident. The pale markings that develop
suitable prepared diets, rather than the on the caudal fin are regarded as being similar to
sponges and corals that form a substantial the Arabic script
part of the natural diet of large angelfish. used in the
The yellow banding on the body of the adult holy Koran,
Yellow Bar is variable both in size and explaining
shape. The young look very different the unusual
from their elders, displaying a series of name of
blue, white, and black bands across the this fish.
body. It typically takes about 18 months
for a small juvenile to acquire its adult Juvenile in
coloration. Delayed development of adult transitional
color suggests that the water conditions coloring
in the aquarium may not be ideal.

Pomacanthus navarchus Arusetta asfur Pomacanthus annularis
Majestic Angelfish Asfur Angelfish Annularis Angelfish

ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the ORIGINS Occurs throughout the Persian Gulf and the ORIGINS Widely distributed throughout the
Pacific Ocean. Red Sea. Indo-Pacific region.
SIZE 10 in (25 cm). SIZE 20 in (50 cm). SIZE 16 in (40 cm); 10 in (25 cm) in aquariums.
DIET Eats both animal foods and plant matter. DIET Will eat both animal foods and plant matter. DIET Omnivorous; likes to graze on algae.
WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline WATER Temperature 77–79°F (25–26°C); alkaline
(pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.025. (pH 8.1–8.3) with SG 1.020–1.024.
TEMPERAMENT Not very social. TEMPERAMENT Lively; can be aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Adults are antisocial in aquariums.
These angelfish need plenty of swimming space, as In addition to the distinctive blue circle located
well as retreats where they can hide. The adults are Distinctive fin above and behind the gills, adult Annularis have
very different from the young, which display white color a series of blue lines running across the body and
stripes on a dark blue background. Unfortunately, fins. Slight differences in patterning are evident
it is not always easy to persuade Majestic Angelfish between individuals. Young fish display a series
to take substitute diets, so you should only buy of near-horizontal white lines against a blue
specimens that you have seen feeding. background. Annularis sometimes become
sufficiently tame to feed from the hand.
Girdle of
blue stripes
Blue ring
This species is closely
related to the Yellow Bar
Angelfish (see top left). While the young of both
species are similar, an adult Asfur can be identified
by its bright yellow caudal fin. It is not advisable
to mix larger angelfish, especially those with
similar patterning, because weaker individuals are
likely to be bullied. Finding other suitable
tankmates for these fish is difficult.

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