French Angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) Care Guide
Pomacanthus paru, the French angelfish, is a large Western Atlantic angel whose juveniles act as cleaners and whose adults feed largely on sponges.
Overview
Pomacanthus paru, the French angelfish, is a large marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 41.1 cm, with a common length around 28.0 cm. Juveniles are black with vertical yellow bars and lighten as they mature.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus paru
Habitat
FishBase reports a Western Atlantic range from Florida and the Bahamas to Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, with records in the Eastern Atlantic near Ascension Island and St. Paul's Rocks. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory at depths of about 3-100 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, algae, bryozoans, zoantharians, gorgonians and tunicates; Wikipedia notes that around 70% of the adult diet is sponges. Juveniles operate as cleaner fish. 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 that adults are monogamous and territorial, typically found in pairs, while juveniles tend cleaning stations servicing many client species. Suitable companions include tangs in large tanks, triggers and large wrasses.
Reef compatibility
Because adults feed 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.