Latin name

Pomacanthus semicirculatus

Other names

Koran angelfish, blue angelfish, zebra angelfish, half-circled angelfish.

Identification

Adults and juveniles are very different. Juveniles gradually acquire adult colouration when they reach a size of 8 to 16 centimetres (3.1 to 6.3 inches).

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin contains 13 spines and 20-23 soft rays, the anal fin contains 3 spines and 18-22 soft rays. The dorsal and anal fins are elongated.

Fish colouring

Adults are brownish-green in colour with blue-edged scales, creating blue spots on the body and tail. All fins except the simple yellow pectoral fins have blue edges. The dorsal and anal fins have long filamentous projections. Juveniles are blue-black with narrow white stripes from top to bottom. The stripes are fairly straight at the end of the head, but become increasingly curved as they approach the base of the tail. 

Distribution

They are found in the Red Sea, in the Indian Ocean off southern and eastern Africa, in the western Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Caledonia, and in the Caribbean Sea off Martinique.

Habitat

The home range of a pair is very large and can reach 1000 m² or more. They live at depths of up to 25 metres. They prefer coral reefs where there are plenty of opportunities to hide from predators. Juveniles are found in shallow, sheltered areas.

Size

Adult fish of this species reach a length of 40 centimetres. 

Behavior

Fish live in pairs. They are very cautious and shy. They do not migrate. Life expectancy in the aquarium is 10-15 years.

Food and feeding habits

They usually feed on marine sponges, other benthic invertebrates and algae.

Reproduction

This species does not breed in captivity.

Fishing

There are no commercial or recreational fisheries for this species.

Relationship with a person

Harmless to humans. Often seen in oceanariums and aquariums in large zoos.