Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Reef Compatible: No
General Description: The Passer Angelfish is also known as the King Angelfish. Native to the eastern Pacific Ocean from the coast of Peru north to the Gulf of California, including offshore islands as far west as the Galapagos. The adult is blue with a white vertical stripe extending down from the dorsal fin to mid-body. The dorsal fin is rimmed in golden yellow. The caudal and pectoral fins are also yellow, while the ventral fins are yellow on a female, and white on the male. The juvenile coloration isĀ orange with one white and multiple blue stripes. Adults can grow to slightly over 12 inches in length.
Diet Requirements: In the wild Passer Angelfish feed on sponges, other sessile invertebrates, zooplankton, and certain species of benthic microalgae. The aquarium diet of the Passer Angelfish should include vegetable matter such as Spirulina, Chlorella, marine sheet algae, meaty items, and high-quality angelfish preparations which include sponges. Flake or pellet foods can also be offered for variety. Feed small meals at least three times daily to help reproduce their natural grazing behavior.
Care Requirements: A 125 gallon aquarium would be required for an adult, with an 18+ inch width. Passer Angelfish primarily inhabit the middle and bottom of the water column of rocky tropical reefs, including in the larger crevices between rocks. Decorate accordingly with a balance between open swimming space and live rock caves. It is a hardy fish, but can become aggressive, so it should be kept with other active or semi-aggressive tank mates. It grazes on live rock and will nip at stony and soft coral polyps and clams, so it is not a good candidate for a reef aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.
Purchase Size: Juvenile: Small 1″ to 1-3/4″; Medium 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″; Adult: Small: 1-3/4″ to 2-1/4″, Medium: 3-1/4″ to 4″; Large: 5″ to 6″; XLarge: 6″ or larger.
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase size is approximate.Ā