Rock Beauty Care Guide
Holacanthus tricolor is a Western Atlantic marine angelfish with a sponge-dominated diet that makes it challenging to keep; IUCN Least Concern.
Overview
Holacanthus tricolor, the Rock beauty, is a marine angelfish of the family Pomacanthidae, originally described by Marcus Elieser Bloch in 1795 (as Chaetodon tricolor) from Brazil. Adults are yellow on the head and anterior body with a black region covering most of the flank. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 35 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Holacanthus
- Scientific name: Holacanthus tricolor
- Described by: Bloch, 1795 (as Chaetodon tricolor)
Habitat
It occurs in the Western Atlantic from Georgia (USA), Bermuda and the northern Gulf of Mexico south to Santa Catarina, Brazil. The species is reef-associated and found at depths of about 3-92 m, typically 3-35 m, on rock jetties, rocky reefs and coral areas. Juveniles often associate with fire corals.
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
Adults feed largely on sponges, but also take corals, zoantharians, bryozoans, gorgonians, tunicates and algae. FishBase lists a trophic level of about 3.0. The heavy reliance on sponges makes adequate nutrition in captivity demanding.
Compatibility
A large semi-aggressive angelfish that is not reef-safe; sponges and corals are at risk. Unlike some related angelfishes, it does not act as a cleaner fish. Other large angels are best avoided, while robust tankmates suit very large systems.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009). FishBase notes minor commercial fisheries and aquarium-trade use, and documents reports of ciguatera poisoning associated with the species.