Gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)

Scientific name: Pomacanthus arcuatus Linnaeus, 1758

The Gray angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) is a marine fish of the family Pomacanthidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 22–28°C (72–82°F). Native range: Western Atlantic, New England, USA to the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.

Gray angelfish care at a glance

Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

Biology

Common in coral reefs, usually solitary, occasionally in pairs. Juveniles are part-time cleaners. Feed mainly on sponges, but also takes tunicates, algae, zoantharians, gorgonians, hydroids, bryozoans, and seagrasses. Oviparous, monogamous. Flesh reported to be of excellent quality; marketed fresh and salted. Friendly toward divers. Have been reared in captivity.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pomacanthus arcuatus
Family: Pomacanthidae (Angelfishes)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 60.0
Common length: 45.0
Depth range: 2–30 m (7–98 ft)
Environment: Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 2 - 30 m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Western Atlantic: New England, USA to the vicinity of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Reports of ciguatera poisoning
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)