Clarion Angel Care Guide
Holacanthus clarionensis is a marine angelfish largely restricted to Mexico's Revillagigedo Islands, listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
Overview
Holacanthus clarionensis, the Clarion angel, is a marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae, described by Charles Henry Gilbert in 1891. Its range is largely restricted to the Revillagigedo Islands off the western coast of Mexico, with occasional vagrants reported from southern Baja California, the Gulf of California and Clipperton Island. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 20 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Holacanthus
- Scientific name: Holacanthus clarionensis
- Described by: Gilbert, 1891
Habitat
The species is reef-associated and non-migratory, inhabiting rocky reefs at depths of up to about 30 m. Individuals are encountered either alone or in shoals. The recorded distribution spans the Eastern Central Pacific, with the core population on the Revillagigedo Islands of Mexico.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Water type: marine (saltwater)
Diet
FishBase places the species at a low trophic level (about 2.6), indicating a diet dominated by algae and small benthic items typical of grazing angelfishes.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angelfish best kept in spacious systems. It is not considered reef-safe; soft corals and sponges are at risk, and conspecifics or other large angels are usually incompatible. It associates poorly with timid tankmates and suits robust companions such as triggers, large wrasses and tangs in very large tanks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2009). The species is listed on CITES Appendix II. Because the Revillagigedo Islands are a protected area, wild collection has been illegal, and captive-bred specimens have entered the aquarium trade.