Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

Quick Stats:
Care Level ? Moderate | Temperament ? Semi-aggressive | Color Form ? Black, Blue, White, Yellow | Diet ? Omnivore | Reef Compatible ? With Caution | Water Conditions ? sg 1.020?1.025, 72?78? F, dKH 8?12, pH 8.1?8.4 | Max. Size ? 1′ 3″ | Family ? Pomacanthidae | Minimum Tank Size ? 220 gallons | Compatibility ? View Chart

Overview
Did you know that this specimen ships from our Affordabalequaria? Wisconsin Facility, home of our popular Diver’s Den? WYSIWYG Store and our Affordabalequaria? Certified Captive Grown Corals (CCGC)? What that means is that you can rest assured knowing this specimen received the highest level of care from our experienced and professional Affordabalequaria? staff!

PLUS, hobbyists that use our Affordabalequaria? Professional Reef Salt have the added benefit knowing marine species shipped from our Affordabalequaria? Wisconsin Facility share the same water parameters. In other words, if you use our Professional Reef Salt, marine species shipped from our Wisconsin Facility will acclimate and transition to your home aquarium with less stress to set the foundation for longer term success.

The adult Emperor Angelfish, also called the Imperator Angelfish, has a bold, blue body covered with bright yellow horizontal stripes culminating in a bright yellow to orange caudal fin. A striking blue-black mask covers the eyes and a similarly-colored vertical band extends from the pectoral fin two-thirds of the way up the body. This band is highlighted in a sapphire-blue in front, and bright yellow, caudally. The mouth is white.

The juvenile is black with circular white and blue stripes starting at the tail. Although sought after for its colors, in captivity, the adult coloration may not be as striking or brilliant. The changing angelfish will vary in coloration and pattern as it transforms from juvenile to the adult coloration.

The Emperor Angelfish requires a 220 gallon or larger tank with live rock for grazing and hiding. They also require extensive rockwork and deep caves to feel secure. It will nip at stony and soft corals (sessile invertebrates) and clam mantles, but may be kept with small-polyped stony corals and somewhat noxious soft corals.

It should be fed a diet of Spirulina, marine algae, high-quality angelfish preparations, mysis or frozen shrimp, and other meaty items.

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Medium: 2″ to 3-1/2″, Adult Large: 5-1/4″ to 6″, Adult XLarge: 6″ to 7″