Clipperton Angel Care Guide
Holacanthus limbaughi is a marine angelfish endemic to Clipperton Island in the Eastern Pacific, listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
Overview
Holacanthus limbaughi, the Clipperton angel, is a marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae, described by Wayne J. Baldwin in 1963. It is known only from Clipperton Island, a French overseas territory about 2,560 km west of Costa Rica. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 25 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Holacanthus
- Scientific name: Holacanthus limbaughi
- Described by: Baldwin, 1963
Habitat
The species is reef-associated and non-migratory, recorded at depths between roughly 6 and 100 m around Clipperton Island. Wikipedia notes that very little is known about its habitat preferences and biology. Juveniles are dark bluish-grey with blue vertical bars and white markings; adults lose the bars and develop vivid blue fin margins.
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)
Compatibility
As a large semi-aggressive angelfish, it requires a spacious system and is not reef-safe; soft corals and sponges are at risk. Conspecifics and other large angels are generally incompatible. Robust companions such as triggers, large wrasses and tangs are more suitable in very large tanks.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened (assessed 2009). FishBase notes a CITES Appendix III listing. Given its extremely restricted single-island range, the species is rare in the aquarium trade.