King Angelfish, also known as the Passer Angelfish or scientifically named Holacanthus passer, is a large marine fish belonging to the Pomacanthidae family.
Its big size and bright colors make it a popular choice for aquariums, even though it can be challenging to care of.
This fish is a daytime feeder, grazing on sessile (stationary) invertebrates and algae, but it mainly specializes in eating sponges.
It also feeds on plankton. Reproduction typically occurs in late summer, with the females being more territorial and forming pair bonds with males.
The king angelfish lays eggs (oviparous) and is monogamous, meaning it has only one mate.
Young king angelfishes have been observed participating in cleaning behavior, which involves removing parasites from other fish.
Sometimes, they form mixed groups with another species called Pomacanthus zonipectus.
King angelfish is not considered reef safe, meaning it may not be suitable for a reef aquarium as it could potentially harm the corals or other inhabitants.
King Angelfish Interesting Facts
- King angelfish is a large and colorful marine fish that belongs to the Pomacanthidae family.
- This species of angelfish feeds on sessile invertebrates, algae, sponges, and plankton during the daytime.
- They reproduce during late summer, with females being more territorial and forming pair bonds with males. This species is oviparous and monogamous.
- Although this fish has become popular as an aquarium pet due to its vivid colors and size, it can be challenging to keep in captivity.
- King angelfish is not reef-safe.
King Angelfish Habitat
King Angelfish is found in the Eastern Pacific region. It lives in areas from the Gulf of California to Peru, including the Galapagos Islands.
These fish live in marine environments and are closely associated with reefs.
They don’t migrate and can be found at depths between 4 and 30 meters (13 to 98 feet).
The king angelfish thrives in tropical waters, specifically within the coordinates of 28°N latitude and further south.
| Water Temperature: | Unknown |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
King Angelfish Physical Characteristics
Size: Common Length: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters), Max Length: 14.0 inches (35.6 centimeters)
King angelfish can grow up to a maximum length of 35.6 cm (about 14 inches).
However, the common length for this fish is usually around 15.0 cm (about 5.9 inches).
King Angelfish Reproduction
King angelfish is known to reproduce daily throughout the lunar cycle (the different phases of the moon).
There is a possibility that this species displays protogyny, which means that some individuals may change from female to male during their lifetime.
However, this theory is still awaiting confirmation.
Monogamous mating, where a pair of angelfish mate exclusively with each other, has been observed in this species.
This behavior can be both facultative, meaning it occurs under certain conditions, and social, meaning it’s part of their natural social structure.
King Angelfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Pomacanthidae |
| Genus: | Holacanthus |
| Scientific Name: | Holacanthus passer |
| Also Known As: | Passer Angelfish |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |