The queen angelfish, scientifically known as Holacanthus ciliaris, is a captivating species found in the warm waters of the western Atlantic, from Florida and the Caribbean to the coast of Brazil. Recognized for its vibrant blue and yellow colors, this fish has become highly sought after among marine enthusiasts and researchers alike.
In this article, we will delve into the world of the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), exploring its juvenile stage, tank requirements, diet, behavior, habitat, breeding, and care.
What is the Queen Angelfish?
The queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) stands out for its impressive visual appeal and the bright blue “crown” on its forehead, giving it a majestic appearance. This crown, combined with its vivid coloration, makes it one of the most recognizable angelfish in the ocean.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Pomacanthidae
- Genus: Holacanthus
- Species: Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)
- Common name in Spanish: Pez ángel reina, Ángel reina, Ángel imperial, Isabelita reina, or Ángel dorado
- Common name in English: Queen angelfish
Shen et al., (2015) reported the mitogenome (mitochondrial genome) of the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris), which consists of 16,606 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region known as the D-loop.
Physical Characteristics
The queen angelfish can reach a maximum length of 45 cm and weigh up to 1.6 kilograms. These fish can live between 15 to 20 years in the wild, though their lifespan in captivity may vary depending on care and tank conditions.
Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) are easily recognizable by their laterally compressed bodies, elongated dorsal and anal fins, and small mouths. Their coloration varies with age and location. Holacanthus ciliaris has a dorsal fin with 14 spines and 19 to 21 soft rays; an anal fin with 3 spines and 20 or 21 soft rays. The caudal fin is slightly curved at the edge, with no filaments on the upper or lower borders. Pectoral fins are moderate, with 19 soft rays. Pelvic fins barely reach (if at all) the first spine of the anal fin.
Juvenile Holacanthus ciliaris exhibit slightly different coloration compared to adults. They are usually dark blue with a series of vertical white bars along their body, and as they grow, their colors transition to the characteristic bright yellows and blues of adults. In the juvenile stage, the queen angelfish is often confused with Holacanthus bermudensis (the blue angelfish).
Adults, on the other hand, have a blue-green body with scales edged in yellow. A distinctive feature is the bright blue crown-shaped spot on their head, which gives them their common name. The fins are yellow with blue accents. However, Luiz-Júnior (2003) examined color variations in the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) population in the São Paulo Archipelago (ASP), Brazil, and identified the following morphs:
- Golden: Predominant in the São Paulo population
- Totally White
- White with orange and black spots
- Bright blue with a pale caudal fin
- Bright blue with a pale caudal fin and yellow face
- Bright blue with yellow caudal and pectoral fins
- Bright blue with black and white caudal and pectoral fins, white operculum, and white chin
Habitat of the Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
One of the most frequently asked questions about this species is: “Where do queen angelfish live?” The queen angelfish is native to coral reefs in the western Atlantic Ocean, thriving in warm waters with rich biodiversity. Its habitat ranges from Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the eastern coast of Brazil, including the Caribbean Sea. They prefer to inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas at depths ranging from 1 to 70 meters, where they can find shelter and an abundant food supply.
Juveniles often live in shallower waters, often hiding among corals and rocks for protection. They play an important role in cleaning parasites off other fish, establishing symbiotic relationships that help them survive the vulnerable early stages of life.
Meanwhile, Dulčić y Dragičević (2013) and Deidun et al., (2020) have reported the presence of the queen angelfish, Holacanthus ciliaris, in the Mediterranean Sea. Stern et al., (2018) reported the presence of this fish in the Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat (Israel) in the Red Sea.
Queen Angelfish Diet: What Do They Eat?
The queen angelfish has a varied diet that includes sponges, algae, soft corals, plankton, and other invertebrates. Reis et al., (2013) reported that Holacanthus ciliaris from the São Pedro and São Paulo Archipelago (Brazil) has a varied diet, consuming more than 30 different prey species, with sponges, algae, and bryozoans making up the main components of its diet. The queen angelfish shows a preference for certain sponge species, such as Geodia neptuni and Erylus latens. Padilla et al., (2010) noted that H. ciliaris’s diet consists primarily of sponges (97%).
In captivity, it is essential to replicate their natural diet as closely as possible to ensure their health. Offering a variety of foods such as frozen marine algae, high-quality flake food, and pellets specifically formulated for angelfish can help them thrive. They also enjoy nori (seaweed) and occasional treats like fresh vegetables such as spinach and broccoli.
Queen Angelfish Care: Tank Requirements
For those interested in keeping a queen angelfish in captivity, one of the first questions is: “What size tank do angelfish need?” Given their size, these fish require large tanks. A minimum tank size of 1000 liters (300 gallons) is recommended, with plenty of swimming space and hiding places made of live rocks and coral formations.
Maintaining water quality is crucial. The aquarium should mimic their natural habitat with temperatures between 72 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit, a pH of 8.1 to 8.4, and stable salinity levels. It’s important to note that queen angelfish are not beginner fish, as they require meticulous care and attention to their diet and environment.
Table 1 summarizes the main water quality parameters you need to provide your queen angelfish to ensure they grow without any issues.
Table 01. Water quality parameters for the care of the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris).
| Parameter | Range |
| Tank size | 1000 liters (300 gallons) |
| Water temperature | 22 to 28°C (72 to 78°F) |
| Water pH | 8.1 to 8.4 |
| Water hardness | 8 – 12 KH |
| Specific gravity (Salinity) | 1020 – 1025 |
| Nitrates | < 50 mg/L |
| Water changes | 20 to 30% per month |
Behavior and Compatibility of the Queen Angelfish
The queen angelfish is a diurnal and solitary fish by nature, often seen alone or in pairs. They are highly territorial, especially during the breeding season, when males become particularly aggressive in defending their space. They are known to establish a home range, which they regularly patrol. Within their territory, they feed, mate, and interact with other species of fish.
In their adult life, they are known for their curious and intelligent behavior, often approaching divers and exploring new objects in their surroundings. However, their territorial instincts can lead to confrontations with other fish, particularly if they feel their domain is being threatened.
Compatibility with Other Species
Queen angelfish can be kept in a community tank with other large and non-aggressive species. However, their territorial nature may cause conflicts if kept with other angelfish or similarly sized fish. It’s also best to avoid smaller species, as they may become prey. In a reef aquarium, caution is advised, as queen angelfish are known to nip at soft corals and sponges, which can damage the reef ecosystem.
Reproduction of the Queen Angelfish: Courtship and Spawning
The reproduction process of queen angelfish is as fascinating as their appearance. Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) are dioecious and oviparous; they reach sexual maturity between 3 and 4 years of age, when females have an average length of 22 cm and males 24.3 cm.
During the breeding season, male queen angelfish gather a harem of up to 4 females and perform elaborate courtship displays to attract them. These displays include fast swimming, circling, and occasional color changes.
After mating, the female queen angelfish releases between 25,000 and 75,000 eggs into the water column, where they are fertilized by the male. The eggs float freely in the water for 15 to 20 hours until they hatch into larvae. The larvae then drift with ocean currents before settling on the reef, where they begin their transformation into juveniles.
Life Cycle of the Queen Angelfish: From Birth to Adulthood
The life cycle of the queen angelfish begins with the release of eggs into open waters. After hatching, the larvae are vulnerable to predators and rely on plankton until they grow large enough to take refuge in coral reefs. As juveniles, they continue to grow and develop, gradually adopting the iconic coloration of the adult queen angelfish.
The life cycle of the queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) can be summarized in the following stages:
- Egg: The eggs are small, transparent, and float in the water column.
- Larva: The larvae are planktonic and feed on plankton.
- Juvenile: Juveniles settle on the seabed and begin to develop their adult coloration.
Diseases
Pughead Deformity
Pughead deformity is a condition characterized by an anteroposterior compression of the upper jaw, resulting in an apparent protrusion of the lower jaw. This deformity has been reported in several species of reef fish.
Francini-Filho et al., (2013) describe a peculiar finding: two queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) with a deformity known as “pughead” were observed in the São Pedro and São Paulo archipelago, Brazil.
Conservation and Threats to the Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
Although the queen angelfish is not currently listed as an endangered species, its habitat—the coral reefs—faces significant threats due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Conservation efforts to protect coral reefs are crucial for the survival of this species, as well as countless other marine organisms that depend on healthy reef ecosystems.
Conclusion
The queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a magnificent species that captivates marine enthusiasts with its beauty and intriguing behavior. From their juvenile stages to adulthood, they exhibit a fascinating life cycle, making them a species of great interest to both aquarists and researchers. While they can be kept in captivity, providing them with proper care, environment, and diet is essential for their well-being. Whether observed in the wild or in a well-maintained aquarium, the queen angelfish truly lives up to its royal name, standing out as a jewel of the ocean.
References
Deidun, A., Galdies, J., & Zava, B. (2020). A bonanza of angelfish (Perciformes : Pomacanthidae) in the Mediterranean : the second documented record of Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758). BioInvasions Records, 9(4), 827-833.
Dulčić, J., & Dragičević, B. (2013). Holacanthus ciliaris (Linnaeus, 1758)(Teleostei: Pomacanthidae), first record from the Mediterranean Sea. Journal of Applied Ichthyology, 29(2).
Francini-Filho, R.B., Amado-Filho, G.M. First record of pughead skeletal deformity in the queen angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris (St. Peter and St. Paul Archipelago, Mid Atlantic Ridge, Brazil). Coral Reefs 32, 211 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-012-0975-z
Luiz-Júnior, O. J. (2003). Colour morphs in a queen angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris (Perciformes: Pomacanthidae) population of St. Paul’s Rocks, NE Brazil. Tropical fish hobbyist, 51(5), 82-90.
Padilla Verdín C.J. * , Carballo J.L. and Camacho M.L. (2010). A qualitative assessment of sponge-feeding organisms from the Mexican Pacific coast. Open Marine Biology Journal, 4, 39-46.
Reis F, Moraes F, Batista D, Villaça R, Aguiar A, Muricy G. 2013. Diet of the queen angelfish Holacanthus ciliaris (Pomacanthidae) in São Pedro e São Paulo Archipelago, Brazil. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. 2013;93(2):453-460. doi:10.1017/S0025315412001099
Shen, K. N., Chang, C. W., Chen, C. H., & Hsiao, C. D. (2015). Complete mitogenomes of King angelfish (Holacanthus passer) and Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) (Teleostei: Pomacanthidae). Mitochondrial DNA Part A, 27(4), 2815–2816. https://doi.org/10.3109/19401736.2015.1053081
Stern, N., Rachmilovitz, E.N., Sharon, G. et al. The dire implications of releasing marine ornamental fishes into the wild: first reported case from the Red Sea. Mar Biodiv 48, 1615–1620 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-016-0600-4
