Queen Angel
Holacanthus cillaris
Queen Angel

Identification: the Queen Angelfish is a beautiful fish with blues, oranges and yellows. There are two other common color phases known in this species. One is all yellow, while the other is all green. 

Maximum Length: Attains a length of up to 18 inches.

Origin: This fish is found from southern Florida through the Caribbean and into South America as far south as Brazil.

Minimum tank size: 180 Gallon

Behavior: The Queen Angelfish is an extremely hardy aquarium species. The only draw back is that this species can be very aggressive towards other tank mates. This species should not be considered in smaller aquariums because of its aggressiveness and because of its size potential. Remember that although a juvenile Queen Angelfish may look small and innocuous, it will eventually grow into an aggressive fish. It is a good idea, if possible, to add this fish to a community tank last as it will be less likely to show aggression towards existing tank mates. 

Feeding and diet: The Queen Angelfish feeds almost exclusively on sponges with other foods only on a supplemental basis. Juveniles feed mainly on filamentous algae. In addition, juveniles often act as cleaner fish to other species. 

Reef Compatibility: This species is not recommended for the marine reef aquarium as it will pick at a variety of corals and will devour ornamental crustaceans.

Cautions: Eats sponge. Note that the juvenile of this species is remarkably similar to the juveniles of the Blue Angelfish, Holacanthus Bermudensis. As the adult coloration of the Blue Angelfish is not as striking as that of the Queen Angelfish and since the price differential between the two may be significant, make certain you are buying the correct species. 

  Return to Angels   Home    Fish Index

Copyright 2003-14| Poseidon's Realm