Holacanthus clarionensis

Datasheet

General Description

The Clarion Angelfish, scientifically known as Holacanthus clarionensis, belongs to the Pomacanthidae family, characterized by their vibrant colors and impressive appearance. These angelfish are large, attractive, and known for their colorful markings, reaching up to 36.0cm in size. Their distribution ranges from the southern tip of Baja California, Mexico, to Clipperton Island and the Revillagigedo Group off the western coast of Mexico.

Aquarium Suitability

The Clarion Angelfish is suitable for aquariums with caution due to its aggressive temperament. They are not recommended to be housed with peaceful or docile species due to their quarrelsome nature, especially towards other fish of the same genus. Adequate space, regular feeding, and providing ample hiding spots can help mitigate their aggressive behavior to an extent. These fish require a minimum tank size of 600 liters and demand frequent feeding with a varied diet.

Care and Hardiness

Considered average in hardiness, these angelfish need a well-established aquarium with algae for grazing. They require a diet rich in algae-based food to maintain a healthy immune system. Frequent feeding several times a day is necessary, especially during the acclimatization phase. The species must be kept in a tank with plenty of space for swimming and hiding places when feeling stressed.

Reef Suitability

The Clarion Angelfish is not reef-safe as they may nibble on clams, including Tridacna species. They are known to target soft corals and LPS, making it challenging to keep them in a reef aquarium. However, with careful selection of corals such as Hammer corals, Bubble corals, and others, a mixed coral tank can be set up successfully.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Clarion Angelfish, it is essential to provide sufficient space for swimming and hiding places. Tank size should be a minimum of 600 liters, with well-maintained water conditions including a pH of 8.1-8.4, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025. Regular feeding with a varied diet and ensuring algae-rich rocks for grazing are crucial for their well-being.

Behaviour

Known for their aggressiveness, Clarion Angelfish exhibit territorial behavior, especially towards other fish. They thrive in swimming and require an environment that enables them to move freely. Adequate space and hiding spots can help reduce stress and aggression levels in these fish.

Feeding and Diet

These angelfish have a varied diet that includes larger crustaceans, macroalgae like seaweed and nori, microalgae such as spirulina, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and sponges. Providing a balanced diet is vital to their health and immune system.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Clarion Angelfish can be bred in captivity, presenting an opportunity to acquire captive-bred specimens. However, gender dimorphism or specific reproductive behaviors are not explicitly mentioned in available information.

Habitat and Distribution

The natural habitat of the Clarion Angelfish includes the Eastern Central Pacific, ranging from southern Baja California to Clipperton Island. They are commonly found in rocky areas and coral reefs with ample hiding spots and algae for grazing.