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Angelfish (Pomacanthus semicirculatus) - Reef Reality Episode 55

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The semicircle angelfish is also known as the blue angelfish. It can be identified by the bright yellow tips on the posterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins, which are prolonged as a filament – giving the fins a semicircular appearance. The angelfish feeds on sponges, tunicates, and algae and can be found in robust coastal reefs which provide ample hiding places.

Description

Adults are brownish on the anterior and posterior third of the body, with the middle portion being greenish or yellowish with numerous blue spots on the sides. The bright yellow posterior parts of the dorsal and anal fins are prolonged as a filament. Angelfish are generally either solitary or found in pairs. Adults grow to a maximum 40cm in length.

Regions & Habitat

Juvenile angelfish inhabit shallow protected areas, while the adults prefer heavy growth coastal reefs which provide ample hiding places, in depths up to 30m. The young are popular aquarium fish. The semicircle angelfish is found throughout the Indo-West Pacific region.

Feeding

This angelfish feeds on sponges, tunicates and algae.

Biggest Threats

Habitat degradation – coral bleaching, pollution and sedimentation.
Overfishing – juvenile angelfish are popular aquarium fish.

Species Health (Vulnerability)

Moderate to high vulnerability.

Resilience

Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years.

How to Help

1) Conserve water. The less water you use, the less runoff and waste water that eventually finds its way back into our oceans.

2) Make ethical consumer decisions when buying marine aquarium fish. Ask the store owner if the fish have been collected sustainably. Harvesting for the pet trade in some areas involves stunning the fish with sodium cyanide to make harvesting easier.

3) CLICK HERE for 40 Marine Conservation Tips - How YOU can Make a Difference!