Emperor Angelfish

Emperor Angelfish

Pomacanthus imperator

Also known as: Emperor Angel, Imperator Angelfish

🧂 Saltwater ⚡ Semi-aggressive 🔴 Advanced 🍽️ Omnivore Not Reef Safe

A showpiece fish with striking horizontal yellow and blue stripes on the adult and a dramatic dark-blue juvenile pattern of white concentric circles. Juveniles undergo a spectacular color change as they mature.

Tank Size

125 gal
minimum (180+ preferred)

Temperature

74–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

8.1–8.4
water acidity

Max Size

15"
38.1 cm

Lifespan

15–20 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Middle
preferred zone

Care Notes

Requires a very large tank with excellent filtration. Not reef-safe — will eat sponges, tunicates, and corals. Provide varied hiding spots among live rock. Sensitive to water quality swings.

Feeding

Sponge-based angelfish preparations, marine algae, mysis shrimp, and fresh seafood. Variety is key to long-term health.

Compatible Tank Mates

None identified.

Use Caution With

Ocellaris Clownfish 3" True Percula Clownfish 3" Blue Green Chromis 3" Blue Tang 12" Yellow Tang 8" Kole Tang 7" Clarkii Clownfish 5" Tomato Clownfish 5" Scopas Tang 8" Naso Tang 18" Convict Tang 8" Cinnamon Clownfish 5"

Incompatible With

Maroon Clownfish 6" Yellowtail Damselfish 2.5" Blue Devil Damselfish 3" Powder Blue Tang 9" Achilles Tang 10" Purple Tang 10" Three Stripe Damselfish 3" Domino Damselfish 5" Azure Damselfish 2.5" Springer's Damselfish 2" Four Stripe Damselfish 3" Neon Damselfish 2.5"

Check Compatibility

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