| Angelfishes are considered to be
among the most beautiful and majestic of all reef fishes.These smll to
medium-sized, compressed, oval-shaped fishes are similar in habit and shape
to butterflyfishes. However, a prominent, backward-projecting spine extending
from the lower gill cover distinguishes them from butterflyfishes.They
frequently have very striking colour patterns, and the juveniles of some
species differ significantly in colour pattern from the adults.They occur
both solitarily or in small group. Most angelfishes are dependent on the
presence of shelter in the form of boulders, caves and coral or rocky crevices. |
They are territorial and spend daylight
hours near the bottom foraging for food.Their diet varies according to
the species.
Royal angelfish (Regal angelfish)
Attains 25 cm.This is probably the most strikingly coloured of the
angelfishes. Has an overall orange or yellow colour with vertical
black-edged blue bands across the body, and a yellow tail. Juveniles
resemble adults. A shy species confined to coral reefs at depths
of 1 0-20 m. Swims in and out of holes in the reef, either singly or in
pairs, More abundant in tropical areas. Feeds on sponges and sea
squirts. |
