Some of the showiest fish you’ll ever see, Angelfish can be found in a variety of aquatic environments throughout the world. There are many different species to discover; in all, more than eighty have been described by science. Most of these lovely little fish have quite a lot in common; for instance, most prefer shallow reef environments, never straying deeper than 50 meters. Easy to spot in areas they inhabit, they are fun to watch and photograph. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most commonly encountered Angelfish species.
Freshwater Angelfish
Sometimes called Cichlids, freshwater angelfish are found primarily in Amazon River environments in Peru, Columbia, and Brazil. Some are found in Guyana, and others are found in the Orinoco River Basin and the Rio Negro. Most of these fish look very much alike, with vertical black stripes over a silver to bronze background. Many are quite small, however a few very large specimens have been recorded, with the largest being 50 centimeters long. As with most marine angelfish, freshwater species have long, trailing fins that make them popular with aquarists. Freshwater angelfish found in pet stores have normally been bred in captivity and wild populations are thought to be fairly healthy in areas where deforestation has not occurred. Scientists believe that there are some undiscovered freshwater angelfish species in remote areas; providing one more reason we need to work to save rainforests.
Banded Angelfish
A cream colored fish with a wide, horizontal black bar that runs along the length of its upper body, and a second horizontal black band outlining the anal fin and caudal fins, the Banded Angelfish is relatively small, growing to a maximum length of 18 centimeters. Unlike most angelfish, this one is capable of making deep dives; it has been recorded at a depth of 183 meters. For the most part though, you’ll find these fish at depths below ten meters, in reef environments throughout the Eastern Pacific including in Hawaii and the Johnston Islands.
Bicolor Angelfish
Also known as the Oriole Angelfish, this fairly timid fish is widely distributed throughout reef environments in the South Pacific and Indo-Pacific regions. Easy to recognize, it has a bright yellow head, a dark blue to violet rear, and a yellow tail. It is a member of the Dwarf Angelfish family, and grows to be a maximum of 15 centimeters long.
Bluespotted Angelfish
Sometimes referred to as a Yellowtail Angelfish, the Bluespotted Angelfish is found in shallow reef environments throughout the Indo-Pacific region, particularly throughout the Philippines. With a blue body covered in tiny darker blue and pearlescent speckles, plus a bright yellow tail, this fish grows to be a maximum of 14 centimeters long. It is fairly aggressive with other fish and is territorial.
French Angelfish
Found in the Western Atlantic, from Florida and the Bahamas south to Brazil, and in the Eastern Atlantic, in the area of the Ascension Islands and St. Paul’s Rocks, French Angelfish are also commonly encountered in the Caribbean and in the Gulf of Mexico. This fish is quite fascinating as it mates for life and with its partner, is often territorial. Juveniles often tend cleaning stations, where they swim with a distinct fluttering motion. Mated pairs are commonly encountered in shallow reef environments and seem to enjoy taking shelter near sea fans, and while they are not usually encountered in deep water, they have been catalogued at a depth of 100 meters. These fish are easily recognized; their bodies are black, with scattered scales rimmed in gold. Their eyes are rimmed in blue and yellow, and their pectoral fins feature a broad yellow to orange bar at the base.
Queen Angelfish
Inhabiting reefs in Florida, with heavy concentrations around the Florida Keys, as well as in the Gulf of Mexico and the Bahamas, the Queen Angelfish is sometimes encountered as far south as Brazil, and has been spotted around the Bermuda area as well. Some of the largest, and longest-lived angelfish, this species has a bluish green body with scales rimmed in yellow. The lips, ventral and pectoral fins are yellow, and the edges of the anal and dorsal fins are edged in dark blue. In addition, the fish’s gill covers are rimmed in midnight blue. This fish can live to the ripe old age of 15 years, and grows to be very large, sometimes reaching a length of 45 centimeters. They are usually found in pairs, and scientists believe they mate for life. Juveniles often man cleaning stations, and can also be found hiding under coral formations.
King Angelfish
Also known as Passer Angelfish, the King Angelfish inhabits reefs in the eastern Pacific, all the way from the coast of Peru to California. It can also be found in offshore Pacific Islands, including in the Galapagos, and prefers to spend its time at depths between 4 and 30 meters, often hiding in narrow cracks and crevices. Juveniles are yellow with iridescent blue edged fins, an orange mask around the eyes, and blue striping toward the rear of the body. Adults can be blue to brown, and sometimes even take on a brilliant violet hue; they have distinct yellow caudal and pectoral fins. They have a wide white vertical stripe that runs halfway down the center of their bodies, and like juveniles, their fins are edged in blue. They are a large angelfish species, growing to a maximum length of about 20 centimeters. These monogamous fish mate daily at sunset during their spawning cycle, and are rarely seen without their mates.
Scribbled Angelfish
Often encountered along the coast of Northern Australia, in southern New Guinea, and in the southern portion of Indonesia, the Scribbled Angelfish is fairly large; it grows to be a bit over twenty centimeters in length. It is usually found in rubble or coral habitats, in depths less than 20 meters. Males and females have a distinctly different appearance from one another; females are usually dark blue to purple, with a scribbled pattern of pale yellow and blue covering their sides. Their tail fins are rounded and are solid yellow with clear margins. Males are a brighter blue, with very fine yet distinct horizontal strips that run the length of their bodies. The base of the male’s tail is yellow, with dark blue and orange spots, and the tail fin is bright yellow with darker orange spots. In addition, the tailfin is more pointed than the female’s is. As juveniles, the fish look quite similar, but once they are mature, it’s easy to see the difference.
These are just a few of the most commonly encountered angelfish species; depending on where you dive, you may encounter many different species or just a few. Though territorial, these fish are often curious and can even be fairly friendly with divers, particularly in areas where fish are fed by hand. Like other reef species, these fish depend on clean, safe environments for survival and sadly, they are commonly targeted for the aquarium trade. If you keep a home aquarium, avoid purchasing wild-caught angelfish.