There are over 70 different species of
Angelfish found in warm ocean waters around much of the world; a
few species are from fresh water. Angelfish belong to the family
Pomacanthus. These brightly-colored fish live in coral reefs in
tropical seas and shallow subtropical waters. Angelfish
reproduce by laying hundreds of eggs at a time.
The Emperor Angelfish (Pomocanthus
imperator, also known as the Imperator Angel) is a
warm-water ocean fish. The juveline and adult Emperor Angelfish
have very different coloration. The juveniles are striped black
and white; adults are yellow, blue, black, and white.
Anatomy: The Emperor Angelfish grows
to be about 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm) in the wild. Angelfish
have a flattened body. The first gill cover has a spine; this
can help distinguish Angelfish from the closely-related
butterfly fish.
Diet: The Emperor Angelfish is a
carnivore (meat-eater), eating coral heads, small
invertebrates (like worms and
sponges), and
crustaceans (like
shrimp and shellfish). They can
crush hard-shelled prey with their powerful, beak-like jaws.
Most species of Angelfish are
herbivores (plant-eaters).
