Koran Angel (Pomacanthus semicirculatus) Care Guide
Pomacanthus semicirculatus, the semicircle or Koran angelfish, is a large Indo-West Pacific angel whose juveniles bear distinctive white half-circle markings.
Overview
Pomacanthus semicirculatus, the semicircle or Koran angelfish, is a large marine angel of the family Pomacanthidae. FishBase records a maximum length of about 40.0 cm standard length. Juveniles are dark with white half-circle patterns that transform as the fish matures.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Pomacanthus
- Scientific name: Pomacanthus semicirculatus
Habitat
FishBase reports an Indo-West Pacific range from the Red Sea and East Africa to Samoa, north to southern Japan and south to Western Australia and New South Wales. It is marine, reef-associated and non-migratory; juveniles favour shallow protected areas while adults prefer coastal reefs with heavy coral growth, at depths of about 1-40 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 young specimens consume sponges, tunicates and algae. In aquaria a varied diet including sponge-based angelfish foods alongside marine algae and meaty foods is required, offered in frequent feedings.
Compatibility
This is a large, semi-aggressive angel. FishBase notes that it is generally solitary or in pairs. 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. FishBase notes low resilience with a population doubling time of about 4.5-14 years.