Holacanthus passer

Datasheet

General Description

The King Angelfish, scientifically known as Holacanthus passer, belongs to the Pomacanthidae family and hails from the Eastern Pacific, stretching from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands in Peru. These angelfish are characterized by their large size, vibrant colors, and attractive appearance, making them a sought-after species for aquarium enthusiasts.

Aquarium Suitability

The King Angelfish, although hardy in nature, requires careful consideration when kept in aquariums due to its aggressive behavior towards other fish. It is crucial to avoid housing them with peaceful or docile species to prevent conflict. Providing regular feeding, ample hiding spots, and sufficient space can help mitigate their aggressiveness to some extent.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

This species thrives in well-established aquariums with a plentiful supply of algae for grazing. The King Angelfish requires a varied diet, with a primary focus on algae-based foods to maintain a healthy immune system. Their hardy nature makes them relatively resilient to parasitic attacks, but vigilance is still necessary. Regular feeding multiple times a day, particularly when first introduced, is essential for their well-being.

Reef Suitability

The King Angelfish is not considered reef-safe due to their tendency to nip at clams, including Tridacna species. While they are not recommended for coral aquariums, careful selection and care may allow some individuals to coexist in a reef setup.

Aquarium Setup

Setting up an aquarium for King Angelfish entails providing ample swimming space and numerous hiding places among live rocks. It is advisable to create a well-run tank with sufficient algae growth on rocks for natural grazing. Maintaining high water quality and offering a varied diet, including macroalgae, microalgae, small crustaceans, and sponges, are essential for their health.

Behaviour

Known for their aggressive temperament, King Angelfish exhibit territorial behavior and may engage in conflicts with tankmates. Careful selection of tank companions and adequate space allocation can help mitigate aggression within the aquarium environment.

Feeding and Diet

The recommended diet for King Angelfish includes larger crustaceans, macroalgae like seaweed or nori, microalgae such as spirulina, small crustaceans like krill and mysis, and sponges. Ensuring a diverse diet rich in algae-based foods is vital for their nutrition and overall well-being.

Habitat and Distribution

In the wild, King Angelfish inhabit the waters of the Eastern Pacific, ranging from the Gulf of California to the Galapagos Islands in Peru. They are commonly found in reefs and rocky areas, where they graze on algae and occasionally nip at clams for sustenance.

Dimorphism

King Angelfish have the unique ability to change gender from female to male, with females transitioning to males as needed. This hermaphroditic characteristic allows for flexibility in their social structure and reproduction in captive settings.