Pomacanthus - A Look At The Genus Pomacanthus

The genus Pomacanthus contains a number of very well known larger angelfish that are popular in the marine aquarium hobby. Like all large angelfish, they can be aggressive towards members of the same family and are usually openly hostile to members of the same species.

In the wild they are grazers that feed on sponges, polyps, algae and smaller crustaceans they manage to find in the reef. They are not reef safe, which is to say that any corals within the same aquarium are in danger of being consumed by them. As such, they are primarily found in very large aquariums that house only fishes. It has 13 members which we will briefly look at.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Imperator
Origin : Red Sea, Indo-Pacific Ocean
Maximum Size : 16 Inches

Go to "Emperor Angelfish" for a full guide on Pomacanthus Imperator. The Emperor angelfish is one of the most stunning and popular members of the genus Pomacanthus. It isn't difficult to see why. Large showcase sized specimens can fetch hundreds of dollars.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Paru
Origin : Caribbean
Maximum Size : 24 Inches

One of the biggest members of the genus Pomacanthus, the French Angelfish is a bold and curious angel that is commonly seen by scuba divers in the Caribbean seas. Normally found in pairs or alone in the wild, this fish is another popular choices with angelfish lovers.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Arcuatus
Origin : Caribbean
Maximum Size : 24 Inches

The Gray Angelfish is commonly mistaken for the French Angelfish as a juvenile as they both look very similar. As adults however, they can be told apart very easily. Only the french angelfish has yellow/gold coloration across its body.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Annularis
Origin : South East Asia, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Maximum Size : 13 Inches

The bluering angelfish can be found along the reefs of South East Asia and can be spotted by scuba divers in the area. Also known around the waters of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Asfur
Origin : Red Sea, Western Indian Ocean
Maximum Size : 16 Inches

Also known as the Arabian angelfish along with the Cresent angelfish, this is a shy species that is sometimes difficult to keep in captivity. Pomacanthus Asfur, along with Pomacanthus Maculosus used to be very expensive. Prices have dropped as supply has increased.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Maculosus
Origin : Red Sea
Maximum Size : 20 Inches

Like Pomacanthus Asfur, Maculosus used to be very expensive when they were first imported into the hobby. One of the larger members of pomacanthus at 20 inches. But still dwarfed by the French and Gray giants.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Navarchus
Origin : Red Sea
Maximum Size : 10 Inches

One of the smaller members in this genus, the Blue Gridled angelfish is nevertheless one of the more brilliantly colored members. They are also known as the Majestic Angelfish.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Xanthonetopon
Origin : Indo Pacific, South East Asia
Maximum Size : 14 Inches

Another striking member of Pomacanthus, the blue faced angelfish is noted primarily for its bright electric blue face as the name suggests. Considered a fish of higher difficulty to rear in captivity.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Semicirculatus
Origin : Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific
Maximum Size : 15 Inches

Also called the Koran angelfish, this species is a common angelfish in the aquarium hobby. It is thought to be colored somewhat blandly as an adult. Called the Koran angel due to the markings which resemble Arabic on its caudal fin.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Sextriatus
Origin : Indo-Pacific
Maximum Size : 14 Inches

An uncommon offering in the marine aquarium hobby. While generally bland as an adult, it does sell well but is considered difficult to rear in the aquarium. Not as bold or aggressive as its other cousins in the genus Pomacanthus.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Zonipectus
Origin : Eastern pacific
Maximum Size : 16 Inches

The Cortez angelfish is found in most mexican waters that are warm. As juveniles their entire body is lined with yellow and electric blue that it loses upon maturity.

Scientific Name : Pomacanthus Chrysurus
Origin : Africa
Maximum Size : 14 inches

The Gold Tailed angelfish is a highly sought after species that is only collected around some parts of Africa. A very pricey fish with large specimens costing upwards of $400.