Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Not Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
Range: Western Indian Ocean: Red Sea and Gulf of Aden
Size: 16 inches (40 cm)
Natural Environment: Inhabits coastal reef areas that are rich in coral growth at depths of 10 to 70 feet (3 – 20 m) and feed on sponges, tunicates, and crustaceans.
General Husbandry: Both the juvenile and adult are quite pretty and hardy, with the juvenile having a blue body with light-blue and white stripes. As it ages, it will develop yellow markings on its dorsal and the tail fin will turn yellow. As for the adult, it has an overall dark blue body, blackish face, yellow tail and a wide crescent-shaped yellow band down both sides of the body. Captive-bred specimens are sometimes referred to as ‘Half Moon’ Angelfish.
When first introduced into the aquarium, preferably a well-established fish-only aquarium with lots of live rock and cave areas, adults or juveniles should be offered numerous daily feedings so as to quickly acclimate it to its surroundings. Like many others in this genus, their captive diet should consist of a wide variety of frozen foods including fortified brine shrimp, mysis, and especially those containing sponge matter/angelfish food preparations and continued to be offered at least several times daily after its acclimated to its surroundings. Furthermore, since this is a fairly shallow water species, flake foods, and especially those containing Spirulina should be occasionally offered.
Depending upon its tankmates, juveniles will be very shy when first entering the aquarium, and no doubt hide in caves and crevices. But as time passes, will become more outgoing and begin to establish its territory. As for adults, it’s not as aggressive as those in the Holacanthus genus, in fact, probably one of the least aggressive in this genus, however, it all depends on aquarium size and tankmates as to its compatibility with other tankmates, especially other angelfish, therefore its preferable it is the last fish to be added to the aquarium.
Taxonomy:
Order: Perciformes
Suborder: Percoidei
Family: Pomacanthidae
Genus: Pomacanthus
FYI: Keeping more than one genus of angelfishes in the same aquarium is possible, yet depends upon several aspects. The following suggested circumstances are just that, possibilities that when heeded and adjusted to actual aquarium conditions ‘may’ make multiple angelfish collections feasible.
Aquarium size – the larger the better.
Species from the same genus should not be in the same aquarium.
The smallest and most docile genus species should be the first introduced with the largest and most malicious the last to be added.
Do not place similar coloration species in the same aquarium.
Those already in the aquarium should be well fed before adding a newcomer.
Have sufficient hiding places/rocky caves.
Do not overfeed meaty foods, especially juveniles, as it may lead to a fatty deposit around the liver that could stop production of vitamin A. This could cause blindness, often referred to as nutritional blindness.
Keep in mind all angels have cheekspines at the edge of their gill cover; therefore use caution when handling and also avoid using a net to capture it, as it may become stuck or tangled in the net and become damaged when removed.
Experience Level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Acclimation Time: 30 minutes+
Aquarium Environment: Fish-only and Reef Aquariums (See Below)
Reef Safe: Juveniles – Yes/Adults - No - will nip clam mantles, large and small polyped stony (LPS/SPS) corals, and also some soft corals and tubeworms.
Minimum Tank Size: 180 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 81°F (22 – 27°C)
Specific Gravity: 1.020 - 1.026
pH: 8.0 - 8.5
