Queen Angelfish; Atl. - Holacanthus ciliaris

General Information on Queen Angelfish

The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is renowned for its striking appearance, characterized by vibrant yellow and electric blue highlights that give it an almost iridescent look. It features an elongated dark spot on the forehead surrounded by brilliant blue, with long dorsal and pelvic fins.\n\n

Tank Requirements

\n\nThis angelfish can grow up to 18 inches and requires a minimum tank size of 250 gallons. The tank should provide ample hiding places and live rock for grazing.\n\n

• • Tank size: Minimum 250 gallons

 

• • Hiding places: Ample for security

 

• • Live rock: Essential for grazing

 

Reef Compatibility

Queen Angelfish are not suitable for reef tanks due to their tendency to nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles.\n\n

• • Not reef compatible

 

• • May nip at corals and clams

Behavior and Tank Placement

They should be the last addition to a community tank due to their potentially aggressive behavior towards other fish. They are somewhat difficult to keep and sensitive to water quality and diet.\n\n

• • Introduce last in community tank

• • Sensitive to water quality and diet

Diet and Feeding

Queen Angelfish primarily feed on sponges in the wild. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet including Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and occasionally sponge-based foods.\n\n

• • Diet: Varied, including Spirulina and marine algae

• • Feed at least three times daily

 

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles may display juvenile coloration initially, which can transition into adult colors as they mature.\n\n

• • Juvenile coloration may change with maturity

 

Origin

Native to subtropical waters in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Bermuda to Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea and islands from Panama to the Windward Islands.\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBy following these guidelines, you can provide a suitable environment for the Queen Angelfish in your aquarium    

• • Check out some of our other fish for purchase!

• • Other Angelfish for purchase