| The Queen angelfish (Holacanthus Ciliaris) is one of | | | | 13 inches or so. |
| three very popular "large" angelfish in the marine | | | | Marine aquariums no smaller than 150 gallons should |
| aquarium hobby today. The other two being the | | | | be used to house a queen angelfish. As with all larger |
| Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus Imperator) and the | | | | marine fish, the bigger the tank, the better. Ensure |
| French Angelfish (Pomacanthus Paru). It reigns as the | | | | your rock scape in the aquarium allows for ample |
| most popular angelfish in the genus holacanthus. They | | | | swimming space. |
| are a member of the family Pomacanthidae and are | | | | Do not be fooled into buying smaller juveniles for a |
| one of the largest angelfish among its cousins. | | | | 50 gallon aquarium. They will quickly outgrow such |
| The queen angelfish is commonly found throughout | | | | small tanks in a matter of months. |
| the Carribbean sea, Florida, Brazil and the Gulf of | | | | The queen angelfish is not reef safe, it can eat corals |
| Mexico. It is closely related to the Blue Angelfish | | | | or at least nip on them until they eventually perish. |
| (Holacanthus Bermudensis) and to the untrained eye | | | | Though some hobbyists have been successfully |
| they look completely alike. These two angelfish have | | | | keeping them in reef aquariums, they are more often |
| been known to interbreed in the wild. Their offspring | | | | seen in large, fish-only aquariums. |
| have also been known as Holacanthus Townsendi. It | | | | They feed on tunicates, sponges, corals, algae and |
| should be noted that Holacanthus Townsendi is not a | | | | plankton in the wild. Avoid housing them in a reef |
| valid species, it is merely a hybrid. Fortunately, telling | | | | aquarium with many corals as they can make short |
| them apart is easy, queen angelfish possess a blue | | | | work of your expensive corals. |
| ringed crown on its head while the blue angelfish | | | | Offer them a good variety of foods from sheets of |
| does not. | | | | nori/seaweed to meaty foods like krill or mysis |
| As with all larger angelfish species, juvenile coloration | | | | shrimp. New Life Spectrum produces some of the |
| differs from that of an adult. Juveniles possess bright | | | | highest quality pellets on the market and would be |
| blue vertical bars from its face to its main body. | | | | my first choice as a good pellet food to offer my |
| These bars will slowly disappear as they grow. Adults | | | | fish. |
| sport a brilliant iridescent yellow and blue throughout | | | | Formula two is a pretty balanced food for angelfish |
| their entire body. | | | | as well, containing seafood and extra algae for |
| Juvenile angelfish also take on a peculiar role in the | | | | herbivorous fishes. It is available in pellet, flake or |
| wild. They assume the role of "cleaners". As cleaners | | | | frozen cube form. |
| they provide a valuable service for other marine fish, | | | | The most complete food available for Queen |
| they feed on any parasites present on the bodies of | | | | Angelfish is Angel Formula by Ocean Nutrition. This |
| other fish. | | | | food was specifically designed to cater to the needs |
| This is an expensive fish, small specimens usually retail | | | | of large angelfish, they contain a good mix of fresh |
| for $80-$90 USD with large adults (Show quality) | | | | seafood, algae, vitamins and most importantly, marine |
| costing $200 and upwards. | | | | sponges. Angel Formula is only available in frozen |
| Larger angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae have | | | | cube form. |
| developed a well deserved reputation or being | | | | With regards to nori sheets/seaweed sheets for |
| aggressive bullies in captivity. Queen angelfish is no | | | | your queen angelfish. You could choose either |
| exception. | | | | branded seaweed sheets from companies catering to |
| It generally ignores other species of fish but is pretty | | | | herbivorous fish or you can always run down to your |
| hostile towards other large angelfish. It is especially | | | | local supermarket and get some there. Depending on |
| hostile towards other queen angels or blue angelfish | | | | the brand they could either be very expensive or |
| for that matter. One queen angelfish per tank is the | | | | very cheap. |
| general rule. | | | | If you're buying from the supermarket, make sure |
| This angelfish reaches lengths of up to 18 inches. A | | | | you buy the plain, unflavoured/unspiced version. Raw |
| foot and a half! They rarely achieve such lengths in | | | | nori is a good choice if available. Get a clip for your |
| captivity however, expect a maximum size of 12 to | | | | nori and stick it on the side of the aquarium glass. |