Holacanthus bermudensis (Blue Angelfish)
Photo © Mark & Leanne Irving
Family: Pomacanthidae
Scientific name: Holacanthus bermudensis
Common name: Blue Angelfish
Synonyms: Holacanthus ciliaris bermudensis, Corn Sugar, Isabelita Azul
Origin: Western Atlantic continental shelf; Bermuda, Bahamas, Southern Florida, Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan.
Adult size: 45cm
Lifespan: 15-20 years
Sex: No obvious differences between male and female.
Minimum aquarium size: 200cm
Aquarium decor: Rock; not suitable for reef systems, especially those containing live sponges and corals.
Temperature: 24C-28°C
Water chemistry: pH 8.1-8.4; Specific gravity 1.020-1.025
Diet: Ominvore; In the wild the Blue Angelfish feeds primarily on sponges with some algae, tunicates and coral. Feed sponge-based Angelfish food as well as marine algae and a variety of live and frozen foods, little and often.
Swimming level: All
Compatibility: Blue Angelfish are territorial and aggressive towards other angelfish, especially other Blue Angelfish. They should not be kept with small fish, if a fish can fit in the Blue Angelfish's mouth it will probably be eaten.
Comments: Blue Angelfish will graze over living rock for food. Although they are not reef safe they will do better in an aquarium with living rock than one without it.
The juvenile Angelfish looks very different from the adult. All Angelfish do best if purchased as juveniles or as they are changing colour, adults often do not adjust well to aquarium life.
The Blue Angelfish is often confused with the Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris). The Queen Angelfish's tail is completely yellow and there is a blue-ringed dark circle with blue spots on its forehead. The Blue Angelfish just has a slightly darker smudge on its forehead.
Photo © Xinmin Li
