Griffis Angelfish

About

The Griffis angelfish (Apolemichthys griffisi) is one of those species that most hobbyists know only from photos. A genuinely uncommon fish in the wild that rarely turns up in the aquarium trade. When it does appear, it tends to attract serious attention. In the wild, this species inhabits the outer edges of reef systems, particularly steep drop-offs and sloping faces in the Indo-Malayan region extending east to the Line Islands. It lives a mostly solitary life, though pairs and small loose groups are occasionally encountered. Like several other angels from deeper reef zones, it relies heavily on sponges and tunicates as dietary staples, which can make keeping it well-fed in captivity more demanding than a typical omnivore. You'll want to source quality sponge-based frozen foods and variety to cover its nutritional needs. At up to nearly a foot in length, it requires a spacious system with plenty of swimming room and solid filtration. Given its rarity in the trade, the cost when available can be significant, so most keepers who pursue one already have some angelfish experience under their belt. Not a beginner fish by any stretch, but for the prepared intermediate or advanced keeper, an extraordinary addition.