Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)

Description:

Behavior: The Queen Angelfish is a majestic and vibrant species known for its striking coloration and regal presence in the aquarium. These fish are generally semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially towards other angelfish. They thrive in well-structured environments with plenty of live rock, caves, and hiding spots. Queen Angelfish are known for their curious nature and often interact with their surroundings.

Color: The Queen Angelfish is visually stunning, featuring a bright blue body with yellow accents on the fins and a distinctive blue "crown" on the forehead. The body is adorned with iridescent blue scales that add to their dazzling appearance. Juveniles exhibit different color patterns, with dark blue bodies and bright blue vertical stripes that gradually change as they mature.

Diet: Queen Angelfish are omnivores and thrive on a varied diet. They do well on a mix of high-quality flake food, pellets, and frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Including marine algae or spirulina in their diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration. Providing a varied diet helps maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

Tankmates: Queen Angelfish are generally semi-aggressive and can be housed with other robust and similarly sized fish. Suitable tankmates include larger tangs, wrasses, and other semi-aggressive species. Avoid housing them with very small or timid fish that may be intimidated or outcompeted for food. This fish can be kept with other angelfish of the same genus. It is advisable to introduce them all at the same time to an appropriately sized aquarium, usually 5 feet or longer. Ensure that algae and other food are not lacking to minimize aggression problems.

Reef Aquarium Compatibility: Queen Angelfish are generally not considered reef-safe, as they may pose a risk to corals and smaller invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs. Their behavior can disturb the substrate and potentially disrupt delicate organisms. They are best kept in fish-only setups or carefully monitored mixed tanks.

Max Size: Queen Angelfish can grow up to 18 inches (45 cm) in length. Due to their large size and active nature, they require a spacious aquarium of at least 180 gallons to thrive and maintain good water quality.

Origin: Queen Angelfish are commonly found in the Western Atlantic region, particularly around the waters of the Caribbean, including the Bahamas and Florida.

Sexual Dimorphism: Queen Angelfish do not exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, making it difficult to distinguish males from females based solely on appearance.

Interesting Facts:

• Queen Angelfish are known for their vibrant blue and yellow coloration, making them a favorite among marine aquarists.
• They are relatively hardy and can adapt well to captivity with proper care and a well-maintained environment.
• Queen Angelfish are active swimmers and enjoy exploring their surroundings, adding dynamic movement to the aquarium.
• Their regal appearance and unique behavior make them a visually captivating addition to any large marine tank.

Disclaimer: Aquarium Arts cannot guarantee compatibility with your current fish or the fish you buy and cannot be held liable for fish lost due to aggression.