Half-Moon Angel (Pomacanthus asfur) Care Guide
Pomacanthus asfur, the Arabian angelfish, is a Red Sea and Gulf of Aden angel with a bold yellow band that feeds mainly on sponges and tunicates.
Overview
Pomacanthus asfur, the Arabian or half-moon angelfish, is a marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 40.0 cm and notes that the species is common around semi-protected inshore reefs with rich soft and hard coral growth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus asfur
Habitat
FishBase reports a Western Indian Ocean range in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, south to Zanzibar. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory in tropical waters of about 22-27 °C, occurring at depths of about 3-30 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 adults feed mainly on sponges and tunicates, with a trophic level around 2.7. In aquaria a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish foods, marine algae and meaty foods is required, offered in frequent feedings.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angel. FishBase notes it is very aggressive toward its own species unless kept as an established pair. Suitable companions include tangs in large tanks, triggers and large wrasses.
Reef compatibility
Because it feeds mainly on sponges and tunicates, the species is not considered reliably 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.