Pomacanthus imperator
Due to
variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image
provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Color Form: Black, Blue,
White, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Reef Compatible: With
Caution
Water Conditions: 72-78?
F, dKH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.020-1.025
Max. Size: 1' 3"
Origin: Africa, Fiji,
Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Family: Pomacanthidae
Minimum Tank Size: 220
gallons
The adult Emperor Angelfish, also called the Imperator
Angelfish, has a bold, blue body covered with bright yellow horizontal stripes
culminating in a bright yellow to orange caudal fin. A striking blue-black mask
covers the eyes and a similarly-colored vertical band extends from the pectoral
fin two-thirds of the way up the body. This band is highlighted in a
sapphire-blue in front, and bright yellow, caudally. The mouth is white.
The juvenile is black with circular white and blue
stripes starting at the tail. Although sought after for its colors, in
captivity, the adult coloration may not be as striking or brilliant. The
changing angelfish will vary in coloration and pattern as it transforms from
juvenile to the adult coloration.
The Emperor Angelfish requires a 220 gallon or larger
tank with live rock for grazing and hiding. They also require extensive
rockwork and deep caves to feel secure. It will nip at stony and soft corals
(sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, but may be kept with small-polyped
stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals.
It should be fed a diet of Spirulina, marine algae,
high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty
items.