Species learning profile
French angelfish
Pomacanthus paru
French angelfish (Pomacanthus paru) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Atlantic. Juveniles run cleaning stations where they remove parasites from larger fish.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Récif
- Longueur maximale
- 41 cm
- Répartition
- Atlantique
- Famille
- Pomacanthidae
- Ordre
- Acanthuriformes
Observe
How to identify French angelfish
- Juveniles run cleaning stations where they remove parasites from larger fish.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Atlantic.
- Reported maximum length: 41 cm — up to about the length of a guitar. Maximum is not the same as typical adult size.
Field note: color, size, and markings can change with age, sex, season, depth, and lighting. Use several traits together.
Place and pattern
Where it lives—and how it behaves
Habitat and range
This species is associated with reef habitat across Atlantic. Reef crevices provide shelter while current, coral, algae, and neighboring animals supply food.
Behavior
Adults often maintain long-term pairs
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Sponges, algae, and small invertebrates.
Ecological role
Juveniles clean reef fish; adults browse sponges.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
French angelfish peut atteindre environ 41 cm et vit souvent près de Récif.
Think like a conservationist
A conservation lens
Reef fish are affected by coral loss, warming, destructive fishing, pollution, and the removal of key grazers or predators.
This habitat lens is not a current population-status assessment. Status can differ among regions and change as new assessments are published; follow the reference links and local fisheries or wildlife agencies for current decisions.
Recall
Quick knowledge check
Which habitat is most closely associated with French angelfish in this guide?
Keep exploring
References and further reading
Fishdle summarizes stable identification and ecology concepts in plain language. Taxonomy and population knowledge continue to change, so use primary assessments and regional authorities for conservation or management decisions.
Make connections