Overview

Key Characteristics

• Size: The Annularis Angelfish can grow quite large, typically reaching up to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) in captivity.
• Coloration: Juveniles look dramatically different from adults; they have a dark blue to black body with vertical white and pale blue stripes. As they mature, their body becomes golden-brown or yellowish with curved, brilliant blue horizontal lines and a distinctive blue ring near the head area.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can have a long lifespan, often living for 15-20 years or more in an aquarium setting.
• Temperament: They are considered semi-aggressive and can become territorial, especially toward other angelfish or similarly shaped species. 

Habitat and Diet

• Habitat: Native to the Indo-West Pacific region, these fish inhabit coastal coral reefs, rocky outcrops, and caves at depths of 3 to 60 meters.
• Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet in the wild that includes sponges, tunicates, zooplankton, and algae. In captivity, a diverse diet is crucial for their health and vibrant coloration, including high-quality marine pellets, frozen foods (mysis and brine shrimp, chopped seafood), marine algae, and sponge-based angelfish preparations. 

Aquarium Care Summary

• Care Level: Moderate to difficult, best suited for intermediate to experienced aquarists.
• Minimum Tank Size: Due to their large adult size, a minimum aquarium of 120-180 gallons is recommended to provide ample swimming space and hiding places.
• Reef Compatibility: Generally not considered reef-safe, as they are known to nip at soft and stony corals, clam mantles, and other sessile invertebrates. They do best in a fish-only or fish-only-with-live-rock (FOWLR) setup.
• Water Conditions: Standard saltwater parameters should be maintained: pH 8.1-8.4, temperature 72-78°F (22-26°C), and specific gravity 1.020-1.025. 

Approximate Purchase Size: Juvenile Small: 1″ to 1-1/2″; Medium: 1-1/2″ to 2″; Large: 2″ to 2-1/2″; Sub Adult/Changing: Small; 2″ to 2-1/2″; Medium: 2-1/2″ to 3″; Medium/Large: 3″ to 3-1/2″; Large: 3-1/2″ to 4″; Adult Small: 3″ to 3-1/2″; Medium: 3-1/2″ to 4″; Medium/Large: 4″ to 5″; Large: 5″ to 6″; X Large: 6″ to 7″; Show Size: 8″ to 9″