Species learning profile
Queen angelfish
Holacanthus ciliaris
Queen angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) is a saltwater fish associated with reef habitat in Atlantic. A blue-ringed crown-like spot sits on its forehead.
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At a glance
- Eau
- Eau salée
- Habitat
- Récif
- Longueur maximale
- 45 cm
- Répartition
- Atlantique
- Famille
- Pomacanthidae
- Ordre
- Acanthuriformes
Observe
How to identify Queen angelfish
- A blue-ringed crown-like spot sits on its forehead.
- Guide context: reef habitat in Atlantic.
- Reported maximum length: 45 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
Often swims in pairs over reefs
Food-web connections
What it eats and why it matters
Diet
Mostly sponges, plus algae and tunicates.
Ecological role
A specialized sponge predator.
Remember
One fact worth keeping
Queen angelfish peut atteindre environ 45 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 Queen 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