Pomacanthus navarchus

Datasheet

General Description

The Blue Girdled Angelfish, Pomacanthus navarchus, is part of the Pomacanthus genus known for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. These angelfish primarily feed on sponges, along with soft corals, tunicates, and macroalgae in their natural habitat. They undergo a significant transformation in appearance from juvenile to adult stages, with proper feeding leading to rapid growth. However, acclimating them to aquarium feeding may require patience, as they are initially unaccustomed to catching their own food.

Aquarium Suitability

Considered suitable for aquariums with prior understanding and care, the Blue Girdled Angelfish can exhibit aggressive behavior towards other fish. To mitigate this aggressiveness, it is advisable to feed them regularly, provide ample hiding spots, and ensure they have sufficient space. Additionally, these angelfish may nibble on clams, necessitating caution when housed with more peaceful species.

Demands, Care, and Hardiness

Requiring a delicate balance, this species demands high water quality, specifically well-oxygenated water. They acclimatize best when introduced to the aquarium as juveniles and should be fed multiple times daily with a varied diet. Blue Girdled Angelfish thrive in well-established aquariums with adequate algae for grazing and ample swimming space.

Reef Suitability

Not considered reef safe due to their diet preferences, these angelfish are known to consume soft corals and LPS corals. However, selective coral choices and careful consideration can allow for cohabitation with certain coral species in a reef aquarium setup.

Aquarium Setup

A successful aquarium setup for Blue Girdled Angelfish includes providing hiding places amidst live rocks, ensuring high water quality with appropriate oxygen levels, and offering a varied diet rich in algae-based foods. Additionally, maintaining a well-established tank with sufficient algae for grazing contributes to their overall well-being.

Behaviour

These angelfish can display aggressive behavior towards other fish, especially when feeling threatened. They may also exhibit initial shyness when introduced to a new environment but can become more assertive once acclimatized.

Feeding and Diet

Blue Girdled Angelfish should be fed a varied diet consisting of larger crustaceans, macroalgae like seaweed or nori, microalgae such as spirulina, other invertebrates, and small crustaceans like krill and mysis. Providing live food can aid in their adaptation to tank feeding.

Dimorphism and Captive Reproduction

Capable of changing gender from female to male, this species can exhibit hermaphroditic behavior. Furthermore, in a captive setting, successful reproduction strategies may involve the provision of suitable breeding conditions to encourage natural gender transformation.

Habitat and Distribution

Found in the Indo-Pacific region from Indonesia to Papua New Guinea, Blue Girdled Angelfish inhabit areas stretching from the Philippines to the southern Great Barrier Reef. Their natural habitat includes a vast range that allows them to thrive in diverse marine ecosystems.