Pomacanthus paru (French Angelfish)
Photo © Xinmin Li
Photo © Xinmin Li
Family: Pomacanthidae
Scientific name: Pomacanthus paru
Common name: French Angelfish
Origin: Western Atlantic; Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean, Brazil, Gulf of Mexico. Eastern Atlantic; Ascension Island.
Adult size: 41cm
Lifespan: 15 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: 24-28°C
Water chemistry: pH 8.1-8.4; Specific gravity 1.020-1.025
Diet: Omnivore; 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: French Angelfish are territorial and aggressive towards other angelfish, especially other French Angelfish.
Comments: French 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.
