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Animal profile

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator

ActinopterygiiCoral-rich reef slopes and lagoons with caves and ledges, to about 100 metresLeast Concern

Field profile

A large angelfish reaching about forty centimetres, adults striped horizontally in blue and yellow with a black eye mask. It feeds mainly on sponges and tunicates in reef crevices. Adults hold territories and produce audible thumping sounds when disturbed.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2025-08-03

Emperor Angelfish

Juvenile emperor angelfish look like a different species

The young fish is dark blue with concentric white rings, a pattern so unlike the striped adult that the two were once described as separate species. The transformation takes place gradually over roughly two years.

Read with evidence →

Emperor Angelfish | Daily Animal Facts