Arabian Angelfish - Medium Adult

The Arabian Angelfish looks amazing as a juvenile and as an adult. Juveniles are a beautiful blue colour, with white and light blue stripes on their body. Adults have a greyish-blue head and a striking royal blue body. The tail is bright yellow and a band of the same colour runs down the middle of its body. This is a large species, with adults growing to lengths of around 16 inches (40 centimetres) in the wild. In captivity, they usually can reach around 9.6 inches (24 centimetres) if their aquarium is large enough.

It has been possible to breed this species in captivity. However, breeding has only been successful in large display aquariums. The Arabian Angelfish is a protogynous hermaphrodite. In a mated pair, the larger fish changes sex to become male. Mating occurs at dusk, with the male swimming around the female and then over her. When the female swims towards him, he will nuzzle her belly. This triggers the female to lay her eggs. Once the eggs are released, the male releases his sperm to fertilize them.

This species is distributed across the Western Indian Ocean. Locations include East Africa, Zanzibar, the Gulf of Aiden, and the Red Sea. It usually inhabits caves and crevices on inshore reefs. Its normal depth range is between 3-30 metres.

Tank Recommendations for the Arabian Angelfish

The Arabian Angelfish needs a tank that is at least 150 gallons (567 litres) for a juvenile. An adult’s tank should be a minimum of 250 gallons (946 litres).

Although not particularly suited to a reef aquarium, it may be ok with certain stony or soft corals. The Arabian Angelfish requires plenty of open swimming space in a tank. If it is too confined it can lead to stress, lack of colour, a shorter lifespan.

It is important to maintain high water quality with Angelfish. They benefit from an established tank with a good selection of rocks and corals. Rockwork should be arranged to provide hiding places for shelter.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Arabian Angelfish is a semi-aggressive species. However, it is one of the more peaceful species of Angelfish.

It is best suited to cohabiting with tankmates of a similar temperament.

Usually Compatible

Peaceful specimens such as Dartfish, Assessors, and Gobies are suitable tank buddies. It can also be housed with semi-aggressive fish like Anthias and Clownfish. Larger predators like Groupers and Lionfish shouldn’t be an issue.

Sometime Compatible

Care should be taken with aggressive species such as Wrasse, Damselfish, and Dottybacks. Larger semi-aggressive species also need monitoring. It can be aggressive to conspecifics and other Angelfish species. Conspecifics should be kept as mated pairs if the tank is large enough.

Rarely Compatible

Overly passive fish may get harassed by the Arabian Angelfish. Slow movers such as Seahorses or Pipefish are also unsuitable. Avoid soft corals, sponges, and invertebrates.

Feeding your Arabian Angelfish

The Arabian Angelfish is an omnivore. It will need a variety of meaty and vegetable-based food. Spirulina, spinach and marine algae are all suitable items. Shrimp, scallops, squid, and mussels can also be included in its diet. This species will also benefit from Angelfish preparations and food that enhances colour. Feed at least 3 times per day.