Arabian angelfish
Oceans

Angelfish

About

Known for their bright colors and patterns that disguise them among coral reefs, angelfish are a related group of species that typically live in warm oceans around the world. Some are solitary and shy. Others live in small groups or are curious around people.

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Size
4–20 inches long
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Live in
Pacific, Indian and Atlantic Oceans
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Food
Algae, sponges, tunicates
IUCN Red List Status
All species at the Indianapolis Zoo are listed as Least Concern
black and white striped angelfish swimming

Conservation

There are many species of angelfish. Many are prized in the aquarium trade. When choosing fish for your home aquarium, research where your fish are coming from and only buy fish that have been raised by people, rather than fish from the wild. You also can help protect ocean wildlife by choosing sustainable seafood. The Seafood Watch program can teach you how!

WHERE ARE THEY AT THE ZOO?

See Map
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Meet the Angelfish

Arabian angelfish
Arabian Angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur)

16 inches long; lives in the Indian Ocean and near Florida

bluegirdled angelfish, yellow, black and blue
Bluegirdled Angelfish (Pomacanthus navarchus)

11 inches long; lives near Australia

flame angelfish, bright orange
Flame Angelfish (Centropyge loricula)

6 inches long; lives in western and central Pacific Ocean

lemonpeel angelfish
Lemonpeel Angelfish (Centropyge flavissima)

5 inches long; lives in central Pacific eastern Indian Oceans

yellow banded angelfish
Yellowbanded Angelfish (Pomacanthus maculosus)

18 inches long; lives in Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea