Queen Angelfish

The Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus Ciliaris) is one ofhave a very similar cousin in the form of the blue
the larger marine aquarium angelfish that the hobbyangelfish. To the common viewer they may look
sees quite frequently. They are also one of the moreentirely alike. The easiest way to tell them apart is to
attractive members of the angelfish that sell welllook for the presence of the blue crown on their
along with the Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthusforehead, which is only found in Queen angels.
Imperator) and the French Angelfish (PomacanthusJuveniles are reasonably priced from $50 all the way
Paru). They come from throughout the Caribbeanup to $80 per specimen while adults can fetch
Ocean and can be found as far up as Florida.hundreds easily. The larger the specimen, the more
They are big, with adult specimens approaching aexpensive they usually are. In the wild they are wide
length of about 18 inches. However in captivity, theyroaming grazers that feed on sponges, algae, polyps
are more likely to reach a maximum of 16 inches. Asand small crustaceans. The best frozen food that
is common with larger angelfish, they look somewhatclosely emulates their diet is the Angel Formula by
different as juveniles. While adults have a bright blueOcean Nutrition. Meaty foods, algae and most
crown and are mostly blue, green and yellowimportantly, sponges, are mixed in with supplements
throughout their bodies, juveniles have bright blueand vitamins as well.
stripes across its face and body.Queen angelfish are not considered reef safe as they
As they grow, these colors will slowly fade. Juvenileswill consume some corals in captivity. It is for this
also have an interesting role that they assume in thereason that most of them end up in very large
wild. They pick of parasites from larger fish, which inaquariums that do not contain any corals. These
essence, makes them a cleaner fish. Queen angelstypes of tanks are known as Fish-Only aquariums.