Cortez Angel ( 7 days for delivery )

About this fish

What is its maximum size?The Cortez Angelfish (Pomacanthus zonipectus) can grow to approximately 46 cm (18 inches) in length.
It is a large, powerful marine angelfish that requires a very spacious aquarium as it matures.
One of its most fascinating characteristics is its dramatic colour transformation. Juveniles have dark bodies with bright yellow curved bands and blue fin markings, while adults develop a grey-brown body with distinctive yellow and pale markings behind the head. 


Where is its origin and where is it exported from?The Cortez Angelfish originates from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, particularly the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) along the western coast of Mexico.
Its natural distribution extends southwards along the Pacific coast of Central America to Peru.
It inhabits rocky reefs, coral-rich areas and reef slopes, where it feeds on sponges, tunicates, algae and other marine organisms.
For the aquarium trade, specimens are associated with the Eastern Pacific region, particularly Mexico. Captive-bred specimens are also available through specialist suppliers, offering an alternative to wild collection. 


Is it reef compatible?Not reef safeThe Cortez Angelfish is generally considered unsuitable for reef aquariums, particularly as it matures.
Although juveniles may initially appear less destructive, adults are known to nip at corals and ornamental invertebrates.
Potential targets include:
LPS corals: May nip at fleshy coral polyps.
SPS corals: May pick at coral tissue and polyps.
Soft corals: May damage certain species.
Zoanthids: May nip at individual polyps.
Clams: May pick at the mantle.
Sponges and tunicates: Important components of its natural diet.
Tubeworms and other sessile invertebrates: May be targeted.
For this reason, a fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) aquarium is the safer option. 


What should I feed it?The Cortez Angelfish is an omnivore with a natural diet consisting largely of sponges, supplemented by algae, tunicates and other marine organisms.
It requires a varied and nutritious diet.
Recommended foods include:
Marine algae and nori.
Spirulina-based foods.
High-quality marine angelfish preparations containing sponge.
Frozen mysis shrimp.
Enriched brine shrimp.
Chopped shrimp, squid and other marine seafood.
Quality marine pellets and flakes.
Sponge-based foods are particularly important for supporting its nutritional requirements. Regular feeding with algae-based foods also helps maintain a balanced diet.
Several smaller meals throughout the day are beneficial, particularly during acclimatisation. 


How many can I keep?The Cortez Angelfish is best kept singly in most home aquariums.
It can become territorial and aggressive, particularly towards other large angelfish.
Keeping multiple specimens together is generally best reserved for exceptionally large aquariums with careful selection and introduction.
In most aquarium setups, I recommend keeping one specimen and avoiding other large angelfish from the same genus.
How compatible is it with other fish?The Cortez Angelfish is generally semi-aggressive and can become increasingly territorial as it matures.
It is best housed with robust marine fish that can comfortably coexist with a large, active angelfish.
Potential tankmates include:
Larger tangs.
Surgeonfish.
Triggerfish.
Larger wrasses.
Groupers.
Lionfish.
Other robust marine community fish.
Avoid keeping it with very small, timid or easily intimidated fish, particularly in confined aquariums.
Care should also be taken when introducing other angelfish, as territorial aggression can become a serious issue. 


Water parameters

Recommended range
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
8.1–8.4
Specific gravity
1.020–1.025
Ammonia
0 ppm
Nitrite
0 ppm
Nitrate
Keep as low as practical
Stable water conditions, excellent filtration, adequate oxygenation and regular water changes are essential for maintaining this species successfully. 


Aquarium RequirementsDue to its substantial adult size and active swimming behaviour, the Cortez Angelfish requires a very large, mature marine aquarium.
Recommended minimum volume: Approximately 950 litres (250 US gallons), with considerably larger systems preferable for a fully grown adult.
Aquarium type: Fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) is recommended.
Aquascaping: Plenty of mature live rock, caves and hiding places.
Swimming space: Large open swimming areas are essential.
Filtration: Powerful biological filtration, mechanical filtration and effective protein skimming.
Feeding: Several varied meals daily, including sponge-based angelfish foods.
A juvenile may initially appear comfortable in a smaller aquarium, but its eventual adult size and substantial biological load must be considered before purchase.