Blue Ring Angel (Pomacanthus annularis) Care Guide
Pomacanthus annularis, the bluering angelfish, is a large Indo-West Pacific angel with a blue ring above the gill cover that feeds on sponges and tunicates.
Overview
Pomacanthus annularis, the bluering angelfish, is a large marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 45.0 cm. Wikipedia notes a characteristic blue ring above the gill cover and a complete colour change from juvenile to adult.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus annularis
Habitat
FishBase reports an Indo-West Pacific range along the east coast of Africa, throughout Indonesia and New Guinea to New Caledonia, north to southern Japan. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory; adults tend to inhabit caves in pairs, while juveniles prefer shallow coastal areas, at depths of about 1-60 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1000 L (264 gal)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (75-79 °F)
- pH: 8.1-8.4
- dKH (carbonate hardness): 8-12
- Lifespan: 15-25 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds on sponges and tunicates; Wikipedia adds zooplankton and filamentous algae to the adult diet. In aquaria a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish foods and marine algae is required.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angel. It is typically encountered in pairs in the wild. Suitable companions include tangs in large tanks, triggers and large wrasses, while small or timid fish may be intimidated.
Reef compatibility
Because it feeds on sponges and tunicates, the species is not considered reef-safe and may damage corals, sponges and tunicates. It is best kept in fish-only systems. Maintain specific gravity around 1.024-1.026 and carbonate hardness of 8-12 dKH.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2009), as reported by FishBase.