Emperor Angelfish

ID points

• Adults have fine parallel diagonal lines alternating yellow and blue
• A white-edged black mask across the eyes
• Juveniles have white concentric rings on a deep blue ground

Basics

Family

Pomacanthidae

Length

30–40 cm

Depth

1-100 m

Regions

Indo-Pacific reefs

Distribution

Tropical coral reefs from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific

Habitat

Coral reefs with caves and ledges

Diet

Sponges, tunicates

Easily confused with

Queen AngelfishA black crown spot ringed in bright blue on top of the headRegal AngelfishBlue-edged white diagonal bands on an orange-yellow groundFrench AngelfishEvery scale on the black body is rimmed with gold

Fun fact

Adult emperor angelfish are banded in vivid horizontal stripes of blue and yellow and are widely rated among the most beautiful of all reef fish. The juvenile looks nothing like them: a deep blue ground covered in concentric white and pale blue rings, a difference so great it is hard to believe the two are one species. That juvenile pattern is thought to signal to adults that the youngster is no territorial rival.

More in this family

• Bicolor Angelfish
• Flame Angelfish
• Semicircle Angelfish