Emperor Angelfish

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator

Least Concern
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DESCRIPTION

The Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) is a striking marine fish known for its dramatic color transformation from juvenile to adult. Juveniles display dark blue bodies with electric blue and white concentric rings, while adults exhibit bold blue and yellow horizontal stripes with a distinctive dark facial mask. This species is omnivorous, primarily feeding on sponges, tunicates, and algae. Adults are often territorial, found singly or in pairs within coral reefs and rocky areas, while juveniles may act as cleaner fish.

Max Length 40 cm
Max Weight 1.5 kg
Lifespan 10 - 21 years
Habitat Seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef
Depth Range 1 - 100 m
Diet Omnivore
Activity Diurnal
Social Behavior Mixed behavour

Destinations to spot Emperor Angelfish

SIGHTING PROBABILITY
  • Unlikely
  • Likely
  • Very likely
Range

Where Emperor Angelfish has been recorded

Fewer recordsMore records
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Emperor Angelfish

Where can you see the Emperor Angelfish?

The Emperor Angelfish can be seen at 37 dive destinations in 8 countries. The best spots include Abu Dabbab (Egypt), Addu Atoll (Maldives), Aliwal Shoal (South Africa), Anilao (Philippines), and Apo Reef (Philippines).

What is the best time to see the Emperor Angelfish?

The Emperor Angelfish is most often seen at Tubbataha Reefs from March to June.

Can you see the Emperor Angelfish all year round?

Yes. At Abu Dabbab, Anilao, Apo Reef, Ari Atoll, and Baa Atoll, the Emperor Angelfish is seen all year round.

Where can you see the Emperor Angelfish in Maldives?

In Maldives, you can see the Emperor Angelfish at Addu Atoll, Ari Atoll, Baa Atoll, Fuvahmulah, North Male Atoll, and South Ari Atoll.

Where can you see the Emperor Angelfish in Egypt?

In Egypt, you can see the Emperor Angelfish at Abu Dabbab, Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef, Elphinstone Reef, Hurghada, and Sharm el-Sheikh.

Where can you see the Emperor Angelfish in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, you can see the Emperor Angelfish at Gili Islands, Komodo, Lembeh Strait, Nusa Penida, and Raja Ampat.

How big does the Emperor Angelfish get?

The Emperor Angelfish can reach up to 40 cm in length and 1.5 kg in weight.

What habitat does the Emperor Angelfish live in?

The Emperor Angelfish is found in these habitats: seabed, underwater cave, coastal zone, and coral reef.

How deep does the Emperor Angelfish live?

The Emperor Angelfish lives between 1 and 100 m deep.

What does the Emperor Angelfish eat?

Eats both plant and animal matter, which lets it adapt its diet to whatever the habitat offers.

When is the Emperor Angelfish most active?

Active during daylight hours. Morning and midday dives are your best chance to see it moving and feeding.

How long does the Emperor Angelfish live?

The Emperor Angelfish lives 10 to 21 years.

What is the conservation status of the Emperor Angelfish?

The Emperor Angelfish is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Every answer is built from the conditions and sightings data we keep for Emperor Angelfish. Spotted something that looks off?

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