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Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator
Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) swimming in Coral tank

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator
Other Common Names
Imperial Angelfish
At the Aquarium
Connected Coasts
Other Common Names
Imperial Angelfish

At the Aquarium

Connected Coasts

Appearance

The body of the emperor angelfish is oval-shaped. The body and most of its dorsal fin have alternating stripes of yellow and blue. Its forehead is greenish-grey with light blue markings around its eyes and cheek area. Its tail fin is also yellow.

Juvenile emperor angelfish are dark blue with a pattern of white and bright blue lines and circles. Juveniles transform to the adult color pattern when they reach 8 to 12cm long.

Emperor angelfish grow to lengths of about 12 inches.

Habitat

Lives in a wide variety of habitats including coastal and outer reefs, deep lagoons and areas with lots of coral. Found at depths of 1 to 100 m.

Diet

Sponges and tunicates.

Life History

Courtship and spawning occur at dusk and is followed by sperm and eggs being released into the water. Eggs are planktonic, meaning they float along ocean currents. After hatching, juveniles eventually settle onto reefs and develop into adults.

Juveniles live alone and occur under ledges or in holes of outer lagoon patch reefs or semi-protected areas of channels and outer reef flats. As young adults they move out to reef-front holes and surge channels. Then, once they become adults, they live near ledges and caves in areas with lots of coral growth.

Like other species of angelfish, all emperor angelfish begin as female. The largest and socially dominant individuals become male to defend and control the harem. In the absence of a male, the largest female in the group will become male.

Under human care emperor angelfish have been known to live up to 5 years or more.

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Ecosystem & Cultural Importance

Juvenile emperor angelfish have been known to eat parasites off the skin of other fish species.

Emperor angelfish play an important role in the food chain, acting both as predator and prey.
Range
Widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea to the Hawaiian Islands, Line Island and Tuamotu Island, north to southern Japan and south to New Caledonia and the Austral Islands. It is also found throughout Micronesia.
On the Oregon Coast
This animal is not native to the Oregon Coast, however is found in the larger Pacific Ocean. It lives in the Aquarium as part of our Connected Coasts gallery.
Fun Facts
The emperor angelfish that live in the Indian Ocean look slightly different than those that live in the Pacific Ocean.

Citations & Other Resources

  • Pyle, R., L.A. Rocha, and M.T. Craig. 2010. Pomacanthus imperator. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010.
  • Myers, R. F. 1991. Micronesian reef fishes : a practical guide to the identification of the coral reef fishes of the tropical central and western Pacific (2nd ed.). Coral Graphics.
  • Saad, A., H. Alkusairy, and W. Sabour. 2018. First record of the Emperor angelfish, Pomacanthus imperator (Acthenoptergii: Pomacanthidae) in the Syrian coast (Eastern Mediterranean). Marine Biodiversity Records, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s41200-018-0152-3
  • Konow, N., R. Fitzpatrick, and A. Barnett. 2006. Adult Emperor angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) clean Giant sunfishes (Mola mola) at Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia. Coral Reefs, 25(2), 208–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-006-0086-9
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    Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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