King Angelfish

Holacanthus passer

Family : Pomacanthidae

FishMarinepoisson-ange

The King Angelfish is a large marine angelfish with vibrant colors, highly prized in reef aquariums. It requires a large water volume and a varied diet.

King Angelfish — photo 1 sur 4
Steve Ryan from Groveland, CA, USA · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.01 / 4
Popularity
Advanced marine fish
large tank + demanding parameters
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Indo-Pacific
Récifs coralliens de l'océan Indien et Pacifique tropical.

Description

Holacanthus passer has an oval, laterally compressed body, with a bright blue coloration marked by vertical yellow bars and a dark spot on the gill cover. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated, the caudal fin is truncate. Juveniles are very different, with blue and yellow patterns. It is a territorial species that can become aggressive towards conspecifics. It feeds mainly on sponges, algae, and small invertebrates. In aquariums, it can reach 30 cm and live over 10 years. Its coloration intensifies with age.

Habitat

Region :

Rocky and coral reefs, often near caves and overhangs

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2428 °C
pH8.18.4
GH812 °dGH
KH812 °dKH
Salinity1.021.025
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.05 mg/L
Calcium
≥ 400 ppm
Magnesium
≥ 1250 ppm
Light
Medium
Flow
Medium

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Omnivore
Min. tank
400 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
30 cm
Lifespan
12 years
Temperament
Semi-agressif
Propagation
Non reproduit en captivité

Care notes

Maintain a temperature of 24-28°C, pH 8.1-8.4, and salinity 1.020-1.025. A minimum tank size of 400 liters is recommended for an adult specimen. Provide plenty of hiding places and moderate lighting. The diet should be omnivorous, including sponge-based foods, algae, and meaty preparations. Avoid cohabitation with other large angelfish. Water quality must be excellent, with nitrates <20 mg/L and phosphates <0.05 mg/L. An efficient protein skimmer is essential. Captive breeding is rare.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References