Fish
Queen Angelfish
Holacanthus ciliarisAlso known as Blue Angelfish, Golden Angelfish, Yellow Angelfish
Queen angelfish grace western Atlantic coral reefs with striking iridescent blue and vibrant yellow bodies, highlighted by a dark, shimmering crown ringed in bright cobalt on their foreheads. They browse primarily on marine sponges, using specialized, fine-bristled jaws to pick tiny organisms from crevices while maintaining defined territories in breeding pairs. Young individuals operate as cleaner fish, picking parasites and dead tissue from larger reef fishes at dedicated cleaning stations.
Reef DwellingColorfulDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMarine Sponges, Tunicates, Algae
Predators
- Groupers
- Snappers
- Moray Eels
ThreatsHabitat degradation, collection for aquarium trade, climate change
HabitatsCoral reefs, rocky ledges, hard-bottom habitats
Life span15–20 years
Classification
- FamilyPomacanthidae
- SpeciesHolacanthus ciliaris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Reef Etiquette: Maintain buoyant balance to avoid touching or breaking delicate coral structures where they forage.
- Observer Approach: Approach slowly without sudden movements, as adult pairs often remain inquisitive if not startled.
Co-occurring Reef Fish (c) LASZLO ILYES, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative Genus Relative
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