French angelfish

About

The French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) is one of the most recognizable large angels in the hobby, and for good reason. Adults are deep black with bright yellow-edged scales that give the body an almost geometric, mosaic look, while juveniles wear vertical yellow stripes on black. A completely different outfit that makes them look like an entirely separate species. In the wild, this fish ranges across the Western Atlantic from Florida and the Bahamas down through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico to Brazil, with an outpost population in the Eastern Atlantic near Ascension Island. On natural reefs, adults are almost always seen in bonded pairs patrolling shallow reef zones, particularly around sea fans and gorgonians, and they feed on a surprisingly varied menu of sponges, algae, bryozoans, and tunicates. Juveniles have a fascinating side gig as cleaner fish, setting up stations where they service moray eels, snappers, wrasses, and other reef residents with a characteristic fluttering swim. In captivity, the French angel is a committed territory-holder and will be aggressive toward other large angels and similar-looking species. Given its potential size and temperament, this fish suits experienced keepers with very large, well-established systems. That said, it is a hardy and long-lived species when properly housed.