Blue Angelfish
The Blue Angelfish (Holacanthus bermudensis) is an angelfish that looks very different as juveniles. They have much darker black shadings with white vertical stripes. As they grow into adults they transform into magnificent looking fish like the one pictured above. The Blue Angel is often confused with the Queen Angelfish but the two are easily differentiated. The Queen Angel will have a "crown" or circle on it's head. As juveniles the Blue Angels are cleaner fish.
The hard part about keeping this angelfish is their diet. As juveniles they will eat algae and sponges and as they grow they develop a preference for sponges over the algae. You need to get them on standard aquarium foods and marine angel foods with sponges (comes in frozen cube packs) as soon as possible for long term success in keeping them.
The Blue Angelfish is being sold for around $150 to $300 depending on size.
Blue Angelfish Care
Scientific Name : Holacanthus bermudensis
Common Names : Blue Angelfish, Blue Angel, Bermuda Blue Angelfish
Queen Angelfish Care Level : Moderate, needs a big tank, eats sponges
Size : 15 inches (40 cm)
Water Parameters : pH 8.1 - 8.4 | Temperature 70°F - 76°F (21°C - 24°C) | SG 1.020 - 1.025 | dKH 8 - 12°
Origin / Habitat : North Carolina down to South Florida and then south to Bermuda. Gulf of Mexico - often found near rocky reef-like areas
Reef Tank Safe? No - may nip at LPS, SPS and clam mantles.
Temperament / Behavior : May fight with other marine angelfish.
Breeding : No reports of successful breeding attempts in the home aquarium.
Minimum Tank Size : 180 gallons (680 liters)
Blue Angelfish Tank Mates : May fight with other saltwater angelfish.
Diet / Foods : Feed them several times per day with specialized marine angelfish formulas heaving in sponges. They will pick at the live rock throughout the day.
Tank Region : All over the aquarium.
Gender : Don't know of any external differences between males and females.
Forum : Saltwater Angelfish Forum
Photo Credit : Aquafanatic (wikimedia)
Author : Mike FishLore
References
Michael, S. W. (2001). Marine Fishes, 500+ Essential to Know Aquarium Species. T.F.H. Publications.
"Holacanthus bermudensis". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. November 2005 version.
Michael, S. W. (2004) Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes. T.F.H. Publications
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More Large Saltwater Angelfish Profiles
Koran Angelfish
One of the better marine angelfish for hobbyists to keep. Adapts well and is relatively easy to get eating.
Queen Angelfish
Another very expensive and very beautful angel, the Queen Angelfish is another large angel that can reach up to 18 inches in size. Only keep them in the largest of aquariums.
Regal Angelfish
Considered very difficult to keep because it does not adapt well to aquarium life.
Scribbled Angelfish
Seldom available and very expensive if you do find them.
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