King Angelfish
Holacanthus passer
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 8.1–8.4 |
| GH | 8–12 |
| KH | 8–12 |
| Salinity | 1.02–1.025 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 0.05 |
Care
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.