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Blue-girdled AngelfishMajestic Angelfish, Navarchus AngelfishFamily: Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus navarchusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Greg RothschildLatest Reader Comment - See More Hey, I have just received a blue girdled angelfish and I have had it for a few days but it's not very active within the tank and it came with a small white spot on... (more) Corey Crotty This Blue-girdled Angelfish is probably the shyest of angelfish, but one of the most beautiful!Blue-girdled Angelfish Contents The Blue-girdled Angelfish Pomacanthus navarchus is incredibly attractive. The Pomacanthus genus itself contains the most exotic of the saltwater angelfish, and this Majestic Angelfish is no exception. Named for its coloration, the adult Majestic Angelfish becomes a striking beauty with a bright yellow to orange body and face contrasted with intense deep beautiful blues. Its color pattern suggests a girdled appearance, strengthened with outlines of beautiful vibrant neon blues. The juvenile Blue-girdled Angelfish has a more typical coloring of the Pomacanthus youth. It is black with light blue curved vertical stripes, but is rarely seen at this stage. At just 3" the Blue-girdled Angel begins its color change to become the beautiful majestic adult. Of all the species in the Pomacanthidae family, the Blue-girdled Angelfish is probably the shyest, and needs several “caves” to dart into when it gets startled. This is especially true when they are a new addition to an established aquarium. They grow slowly and rarely get up to 10” in captivity. They are not quite as big as other Pomacanthus , but still need a tank of at least 100 gallons and require perfect water conditions. Buying a younger specimen is suggested as they can adapt to captive care much better than a full grown adult. The Blue-girdled Angelfish are considered advanced in difficulty because of the need for excellent water quality, moderate to high lighting, and a large tank to properly house this fish. With the proper aquarium parameters met they are moderately difficult. Although the Blue-girdled Angelfish is shy, as with any angelfish, it does not tolerate most other angels unless it is the opposite sex of its same species. They are easy going with other fish and seem to do well with dwarf angelfish as well as tangs. They are also good with smaller docile fish that other Pomacanthus angels will pick on. The Blue-girdled Angelfish is usually one of the first Pomacanthus to run across a reef keepers mind as a possible inhabitant to try with their corals. They seem to stay away from noxious soft corals, anemones, zoanthids and small polyp stony corals (SPS). Yet each Angelfish has its own idea of what “dinner” may be, and some may still pick at them. Some say to make sure they are well fed, and then they will not bother corals. This may be true as juveniles, but may not be as true for adults. The need for water superior quality, for them as well as that of corals, would be compromised if they are fed too much. For more Information on keeping saltwater fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The Blue-girdled Angelfish Pomacanthus navarchus is also known as the Majestic Angelfish and Navarchus Angelfish. It is from the Pomacanthidae family, and was first described by Cuvier in 1831. It is found in the Indo Pacific Ocean from Maldives to Vanuatu then northward to the Yaeyama Islands and it is also found in Palau and Krosae in Micronesia. It is on the IUCN Red List as Least Concern (LC) with a stable population.
The Blue-girdled Angelfish is found in pairs at times on the reef, but usually it is solitary. Juveniles are found singly and are very secretive. They inhabit very shallow inshore caves where algae is growing. Adults inhabit areas with heavy coral growth such as clear lagoons, protected outer reef slopes, and channels, yet never too far from a cave. Sponges and tunicates are their main food. Adults are found at depths from 10 to 131 feet (3 to 40 m).
In the wild they will hybridize with the Bluefaced Angelfish or Yellowfaced Angelfish Pomacanthus xanthometopon. As of yet, breeding in captivity is not possible and tank raising these angels has not been successful.
- Scientific Name: Pomacanthus navarchus
- Social Grouping: Pairs - Usually it is solitary, but at times it is found in pairs on the reef.
- IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern - Stable population.
The adult Blue-girdled Angelfish or Majestic Angelfish will have bright yellow on their sides and back, including the dorsal and tail fin. There are bright blue spots within the yellow on their sides, but just a hint. An intense and deep beautiful blue is found on the head; the pectoral, pelvic, and anal fins; as well as an area just in front of the tail fin. This angelfish looks as if someone took a bright light blue neon pen and outlined it’s entire body and fins, including areas where the yellow and blue meet up. They also have a blue mouth, and yellow on the chin and neck that terminates just over the pelvic fins.
The juveniles are black with light blue curved vertical stripes on their sides and at times the yellowish tint can show through. At 3 - 7.8 inches (7.6 - 20 cm) the juvenile Blue-girdled Angelfish begins its color change to the beautiful majestic adult. Interestingly, the stage between juvenile and adult is rarely seen.
The Blue-girdled Angelfish can grow up to 11.8” (30 cm) in the wild, yet in captivity this slow grower will rarely reach 10” (25 cm). This Angelfish has a lifespan of over 21 years in captivity.
- Maximum Size: 11.8 inches (29.97 cm) - In captivity it is a slow grower and will rarely reach 10” (25 cm).
- Lifespan: 21 years - Lifespan of over 21 years in captivity.
The Blue-girdled Angelfish or Majestic Angelfish are considered moderately hard to advanced in difficulty because of the excellent water quality that is needed, along with high reef-type lighting and a large tank to properly house this fish. If a tank of 100 gallons or more with numerous caves can be provided, this can lower stress levels.
Blue-girdled Angelfish
- Aquarium Hardiness: Difficult - Can be difficult since water parameters need to be perfect. Moderately difficult in a large reef-like established tank with good lighting.
- Aquarist Experience Level: Advanced
Blue-girdled Angelfish are omnivores, in the wild, a wide variety of sponges and tunicates are their main food. It is important that you feed angelfish all kinds of live, frozen, and prepared formula foods. Feed vegetable based foods as well as meaty foods like chopped squid, scallop, and shrimp. Prepared foods with marine sponge and tunicates are essential. Foods containing color enhancing qualities may be used as well. A good formula that can be made at home consists of mussels, shrimp, squid, and spinach. Feed 3 or more times a day.
If a Majestic Angelfish is not eating, try live brine shrimp which you can gut load with nutritious food. You can also try frozen mysis, red macro algae attached to a rock, or clams. Be sure to remove any uneaten clam quickly.
- Diet Type: Omnivore
- Flake Food: Yes - With sponge material included, and color enhancing foods are also helpful.
- Tablet Pellet: Yes - Yes with marine sponge material
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet - Brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, as well as other protein sources can be offered occasionally.
- Vegetable Food: Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet - Prepared foods with marine sponge is essential.
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day - Feed 3 or more times a day in small amounts.
In general, Pomacanthus angelfish are not as forgiving as many other fish when it comes to water quality. The Blue-girdled Angelfish is even less forgiving than other Pomacanthus . Water quality must be high, almost similar to corals. Water changes of 30% a month, or 15% every 2 weeks is optimal in keeping nitrates lower. If there are corals in the tank, then 20% every month, 10% every 2 weeks or 5% a week works great.
A large tank is important for this large fish. Because it needs a lot of food, there is a large bio-load on the aquarium and a smaller tank will foul quickly. A suggested guideline is to keep up with your water testing, which will tell you when your tank needs a water change.
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly - Water changes of 15% bi-weekly or 30% once a month. If there are corals in the tank, then 10% every 2 weeks or 20% e every month.
The Blue-girdled Angelfish, like other large angels, needs a stable environment which is at least 6 months old. A minimum size of at least 100 gallons (378 l) is needed for an adult, and 135 gallons (511 liters) for a pair. Provide Water parameters of: 72-82° F, pH 8.1-8.4, sg 1.023-1.025.
It is best to introduce it last as a young fish into an established, well lit tank. These angels enjoy large amounts of rock work to graze on and to hide in, so arrange them in a way that your angel can hide. A reef like environment is best. Even a fish only with live rock (FOWL) aquarium is good and there is no need to absolutely have corals. Blue-girdled Angelfish need decent reef-like lighting or they can develop HLLE (Head and Lateral Line Erosion Disease).
- Minimum Tank Size: 100 gal (379 L) - At least 100 gallons is needed for one, and 135 gallons (511 liters) for a pair.
- Suitable for Nano Tank: No
- Live Rock Requirement: Typical Plus Hiding Places - They like to have many crevices to hide in.
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Any
- Temperature: 72.0 - 82.0° F (22.2 - 27.8° C) - 82
- Specific gravity: 1.023-1.025 SG
- Range ph: 8.1-8.4 - A pH of 8.0 or lower will cause health problems.
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Moderate - Any
- Water Region: All
The Blue-girdled Angelfish is semi-aggressive. Although it initially very shy, once it becomes established it becomes aggressive towards other similarly shaped fish that are introduced later than it was. Unlike some of its close relatives, it is easy going with other fish and does not bother smaller fish at all. But as with any angelfish, it does not tolerate most other angels unless it is the opposite sex of its same species.
In a reef environment they seem to stay away from noxious soft corals. They may be fine with Small Polyp Stony Corals (SPS), anemones, zoanthids and Tridacnid clams, yet each angelfish has its own idea of what “dinner” may be. Some may still pick at them. They may be a threat to small decorative shrimp as well.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Same species - conspecifics: Sometimes - Only as a male/female mated pair.
- Peaceful fish (gobies, dartfish, assessors, fairy wrasses): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive (anthias, clownfish, dwarf angels): Safe
- Aggressive (dottybacks, 6-line & 8-line wrasse, damselfish): Safe
- Large Semi-Aggressive (tangs, large angels, large wrasses): Monitor - As with most angelfish, it does not tolerate most other angels, it also becomes aggressive with similar shaped fish.
- Large Aggressive, Predatory (lionfish, groupers, soapfish): Safe
- Slow Swimmers & Eaters (seahorses, pipefish, mandarins): Threat - They are too aggressive in feeding to be put with seahorses or pipefish.
- Anemones: Monitor
- Mushroom Anemones - Corallimorphs: Monitor
- LPS corals: Monitor
- SPS corals: Monitor
- Gorgonians, Sea Fans: Monitor
- Leather Corals: Monitor
- Soft Corals (xenias, tree corals): Safe - They seem to stay away from noxious soft corals.
- Star Polyps, Organ Pipe Coral: Monitor
- Zoanthids - Button Polyps, Sea Mats: Monitor
- Sponges, Tunicates: Threat
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Monitor - May be a threat to small decorative shrimp.
- Starfish: Safe
- Feather Dusters, Bristle Worms, Flatworms: Monitor
- Clams, Scallops, Oysters: Monitor
- Copepods, Amphipods, Mini Brittle Stars: Safe
No sexual differences are known. One aquarist said to have introduced a new Blue-girdled Angelfish to his established Bluegirdled along with an egg grate made into a basket. In this situation, watching the response of the established Angelfish generally gives an idea of whether or not they are a male and female.
As of yet, breeding the Majestic Angelfish in captivity is not possible and tank raising these angels has not been successful. Similar to other Pomacanthus , the Blue-girdled will spawn at dusk. The male Blue-girdled Angelfish will swim around the female quickly, in a circular pattern, then will swim above her. Eventually, she will feel compelled to swim toward him, and he will then nuzzle her belly with his nose to trigger her to lay her eggs. At the time she releases the eggs, he releases his sperm and these newly fertilized eggs will float in a planktonic stage for a few weeks before turning into fry, and then into the juvenile stage. Although this activity can be seen in a 180 gallon or larger tank, the larvae has never survived.
See Breeding Marine Fish for a description of how they reproduce in the wild.
- Ease of Breeding: Difficult - Not possible at this time
Blue-girdled Angelfish, like other saltwater angelfish, are prone to any disease that captive saltwater environments have to offer. Stress due to various reasons will cause illness. The Majestic Angelfish is sensitive to, and can develop bacterial infections and at times eye flukes. Saltwater Ich or White Spot Disease (Crypt) is the most common of disease, and is generally associated with marine tangs and angelfish.
Symptoms of Marine Ich or White Spot Disease (Crypt) are constant scratching, culminating with lots of white dots. These dots disappear for a few days, only to return with double the number. This results in the fish suffocating from these parasites blocking the gills from providing oxygen. One suggestion is putting your tank just at least 82°F (28°C) since that will prevent the parasite from completing its life cycle, which includes the attachment to fish. Several preparations are also available for this parasite.
Seachem has awesome products for treating Marine Ick, Focus and Metronidazole. The Focus (bonding agent) is mixed 5 to 1 with their Metronidazole (one part Metro to 5 parts Focus). This combo is mixed with 1 Tablespoon of food and can be fed to the fish 3 times a day until symptoms are gone. This can be used in a reef aquarium since the medication is bound to the food. In combination, the higher temperature along with the food/medication combo, will provide timely relief.
Diseases that saltwater angelfish are susceptible to:
- Marine Ich (white spot disease)
- Marine Velvet
- Lymphocystis (a viral infection)
- HLLD or HLLE (ateral line disease and fin erosion)
The Blue-girdled Angelfish or Majestic Angelfish is moderately easy to find online and in stores.
- Animal-World References: Marine and Reef
- Pomacanthus navarchus Bluegirdled angelfish, Fishbase
- Pomacanthus navarchus, IUNC Red List, International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
- Helmut Debelius and Rudie H. Kuiter, World Atlas of Marine Fishes, (in German) Hollywood Import & Export, Inc., 2006
- Scott W. Michael, Angelfishes & Butterflyfishes: Reef Fishes Series , Microcosm Ltd, 2004
- Scott W. Michael, Marine Fishes: 500+ Essential-To-Know Aquarium Species, T.F.H Publications inc., 1999
- Mark Allen, Roger Steene and Gerald R. Allen, A Guide to Angelfishes and Butterflyfishes , Odyssey Publishing, 1998
- Dr. Gerald R. Allen, Butterfly and Angelfishes of the World Volume 2, Aquarium Systems; 3rd edition,1985
- Gregory Schiemer, Aquarium Fish: Pomacanthus navarchus - The Majestic Angelfish, Advanced Aquarist, Copyright 2003
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