Emperor Angel ( 7 days for delivery )

About this fish

What is its maximum size?The Emperor Angelfish can grow to approximately 38–40 cm (15–16 inches) in length, making it one of the larger and more impressive marine angelfish commonly encountered in the aquarium trade.
It is a powerful, active swimmer and requires an exceptionally spacious, well-established aquarium with plenty of mature live rock, caves, hiding places and open swimming areas.
It is important to remember that juveniles are often sold at considerably smaller sizes, but they grow into substantial adults and require a suitably large aquarium throughout their lives.
One of the most fascinating characteristics of this species is its dramatic colour transformation as it matures. Juveniles have dark blue bodies covered in distinctive curved white and electric-blue rings, whereas adults develop striking horizontal blue and yellow stripes with a dark facial mask and bright blue markings. 


Where is its origin and where is it exported from?The Emperor Angelfish originates from the tropical Indo-Pacific region, with a natural distribution extending from the Red Sea and East African coastline across the Indian Ocean and western Pacific to Japan, Australia, Fiji and Hawaii.
It inhabits coral-rich lagoons, outer reef slopes, reef channels and rocky areas where plenty of natural food and shelter are available.
It is commonly exported for the aquarium trade from countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and other Indo-Pacific regions. 


Is it reef compatible?Generally considered unsuitable for reef aquariums.
Although the Emperor Angelfish naturally inhabits coral reefs, it is well known for picking at a variety of corals and ornamental invertebrates.
Potential targets include:
LPS corals.
SPS corals.
Soft corals.
Zoanthids.
Clam mantles.
Sponges and tunicates.
Feather duster worms and other ornamental invertebrates.
Juveniles may sometimes behave differently from adults, but this should not be relied upon when considering reef compatibility. As the fish matures, its natural grazing behaviour can cause considerable damage to corals and other sessile invertebrates.
A large fish-only aquarium with live rock (FOWLR) is the recommended environment for this species. 


What should I feed it?The Emperor Angelfish is an omnivorous reef grazer with a natural diet consisting largely of marine sponges, tunicates, algae and other small organisms found growing on reef surfaces.
Feed a varied diet consisting of:
Marine angelfish preparations containing sponge material.
Marine algae and dried nori seaweed.
Spirulina-based foods.
Enriched mysis shrimp.
Enriched brine shrimp.
Chopped prawns, mussels, clams and squid.
Krill and other suitable marine frozen foods.
High-quality marine pellets.
Foods containing marine sponge material are particularly beneficial and should form a regular part of its diet.
Offer small portions 2–3 times throughout the day to support healthy growth, colouration and natural grazing behaviour.
Mature live rock with naturally occurring algae and sponge growth can provide additional feeding opportunities. Newly imported specimens may initially be reluctant to accept prepared foods, so it is important to purchase a healthy fish that is already feeding confidently. 


How many can I keep?Best kept singly in most home aquariums. The Emperor Angelfish can become highly territorial, particularly towards other large angelfish and fish with similar body shapes.
In the wild, adults are generally territorial and may form breeding groups consisting of a male and several females. However, keeping multiple specimens together in captivity requires an exceptionally large aquarium with plenty of swimming space and separate territories.
Keeping a compatible pair may be possible in very large systems, but it is not generally recommended for the average home aquarium.
Avoid keeping it with other large Pomacanthus species unless you have an exceptionally spacious aquarium and considerable experience managing aggressive behaviour. 


How compatible is it with other fish?The Emperor Angelfish can be maintained alongside a variety of larger community marine fish, although it can become increasingly territorial as it matures.
Suitable tankmates can include tangs, larger wrasses, rabbitfish, groupers, triggerfish and other robust marine species.
Avoid keeping it with particularly timid, slow-moving or easily intimidated fish that may struggle to compete for food or cope with territorial behaviour.
It is generally best kept as the only large angelfish in the aquarium. Introducing it towards the end of the stocking process can help reduce aggression towards established tankmates.
Provide plenty of live rock, caves and hiding places to help establish territories, but ensure that the aquascaping does not compromise its swimming space.
Remember that juvenile Emperor Angelfish can be considerably more peaceful than adults, and their temperament may change as they mature. 


Water parametersTemperature: 24–28°C
pH: 8.1–8.4
Specific gravity: 1.023–1.026
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Keep as low as practical with stable water quality.
Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH