The Aquarium is closed Thursday, October 16 and Friday, October 17, due to a facilities-related issue. Unfortunately, we are unable to welcome guests while we resolve this situation. Please check back here for any impact to opening hours for Saturday, October 18.
Emperor Angelfish
(Pomacanthus imperator)
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Animal Type
Fish
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Exhibits
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Range
Indian Ocean
Pacific Ocean
Overview
An adult emperor angelfish has a dark stripe across its eye area. The stripe resembles a mask and is meant to confuse predators. Its body is vibrantly colored, with alternating stripes in blue and yellow. However, a juvenile looks so different from an adult that it was once believed to be a different type of angelfish. Its body is dark blue with white and electric blue rings.
Male emperor angelfish are territorial, and they will defend their living space, as well as the few females they share it with. This area can be as large as 10,760 square feet. Males may even attack other male emperor angelfish who try to enter their living space.
Quick Facts
Learn more about the emperor angelfish! Did you know that both males and females change color during courtship and mating?
Emperor angelfish can be found in coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian oceans, and have been reported off the coast of Hawaii.
This fish is omnivorous, eating both small invertebrates and plants. It prefers sponges and algae.
The emperor angelfish can grow to be up to 15 inches long.
The emperor angelfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
There are no predators of the emperor angelfish noted in reputable sources, but presumably, larger fish, sharks and marine mammals prey on these fish.
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Explore Exhibit Residents
Learn more about the animals that share an exhibit with this one.
Blacktip Reef Shark (Carcharhinus melanopterus)
These sharks can grow up to 6 feet long.
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The green sea turtle gets its name not from the color of its shell but from the greenish shade of its fat.
Harlequin Tuskfish (Choerodon fasciatus)
The stunning harlequin tuskfish usually has eight pairs of alternating orange, blue, and white bands on its body and prominent sharp, blue teeth.
Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulates)
Is one of the largest fish found in coral reefs.
Reticulated Whiptail Ray (Himantura australis)
Its tail can be up to three times the length of its body