Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator)

Fish in the family Pomacanthidae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific namePomacanthus imperator

FamilyPomacanthidae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietomnivore

Adult size15 in

Minimum tank size220 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-82°F pH: 8.1-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Adults display striking vertical blue and yellow stripes on the body with dark blue coloration on the head and fins. Juveniles are dark blue with white and yellow concentric rings, a dramatically different appearance from adults.

Diet and feeding

Feed a mixed omnivorous diet including quality marine flakes, pellets, and frozen foods such as mysis shrimp, spirulina-based preparations, and occasional vegetable matter. Feed 2–3 times daily in smaller portions to maintain water quality.

Difficulty and care for the Emperor Angelfish

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin Rot, Swim Bladder Disorder, Hole-in-the-Head, Columnaris Disease

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to Hawaii, including the Great Barrier Reef and Indo-Malaysian region.

Log Emperor Angelfish in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Emperor Angelfish alongside everything else in your reef.

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