Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) Care Guide
Pomacanthus arcuatus, the gray angelfish, is one of the largest Western Atlantic angels, a sponge-eater whose juveniles serve as cleaners.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pomacanthus arcuatus, the gray angelfish, is a large marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 60.0 cm, making it one of the largest angelfishes. Juveniles are black with yellow bars; adults are grey-brown with darker speckling.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
Habitat
FishBase reports a Western Atlantic range from New England, USA, through the Caribbean to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory in tropical waters of about 22-28 °C, occurring at depths of about 2-60 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1200 L (317 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 adults consume primarily sponges along with tunicates, algae, zoantharians, gorgonians, hydroids, bryozoans and seagrasses, while juveniles take part in cleaning behaviour. In aquaria a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish foods and marine algae is required.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angel. FishBase notes monogamous pairing and home-ranging behaviour without strong territorial defence. Suitable companions include tangs in large tanks, triggers and large wrasses.
Reef compatibility
Because it feeds heavily on sponges and other sessile invertebrates, 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.
Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus): Breeding Guide
Overview
Pomacanthus arcuatus, the Gray angelfish, is a Western Atlantic species found from New England south to the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, including the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. FishBase lists a maximum total length of about 60 cm, a common length near 45 cm, and a depth range of roughly 2 to 60 m.
Adults eat mainly sponges along with tunicates, algae, zoantharians, gorgonians, hydroids, bryozoans and seagrasses, so the species is not reef-safe, while juveniles act as part-time cleaners. Sexual maturity occurs at around 22.6 cm.
Sexing
There is no reliable external colour difference between the sexes. As with related Pomacanthus, pairs are typically formed by raising fish together rather than by visual sexing, and the genus is generally protogynous.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase describes the Gray angelfish as monogamous and always found in home-ranging pairs that do not defend an exclusive territory, a notable contrast with the strongly territorial French angelfish. Spawning is oviparous: the paired fish rise into the water column together to release eggs and sperm.
Detailed timing for P. arcuatus is not given in the consulted sources, but related large angels spawn at dusk, so twilight is the expected trigger.
Egg & Fry Care
The eggs are pelagic and float up into the plankton, hatching into minute larvae adapted to open-water drift. They depend on natural ocean micro-plankton during a long pelagic phase.
This open-water strategy leaves no nest to tend and no easily collected clutch, and the consulted sources report no home-rearing of this species.
Common Challenges
- Eggs are broadcast and dispersed, leaving nothing for an aquarist to guard or move.
- Larvae require micro-plankton first foods unavailable in aquaria.
- Adults grow very large, up to about 60 cm, so a suitable breeding system is impractical for hobbyists.