Blue Angelfish – (Holocanthus bermudensis)

Quick Stats:

• Care Level: Moderate
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Reef Safe: No
• Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
• Maximum Size: Up to 15 inches
• Water Parameters: pH 8.1-8.4, Salinity 1.020-1.025, Temperature 72-78°F

Comprehensive Guide to the Blue Angelfish – (Holocanthus bermudensis)

Habitat

The Blue Angelfish, also known as Holocanthus bermudensis, is native to the Western Atlantic Ocean, particularly off the coast of Bermuda and the Caribbean islands. They inhabit coral reefs and rocky areas with ample hiding spots.

Reef Safe

The Blue Angelfish is generally not considered reef safe. They may nip at corals, especially soft corals and polyps. It’s important to carefully observe their behavior and provide alternative food sources to minimize coral aggression.

Size

The Blue Angelfish can grow up to 15 inches in length, making it a fairly large fish for a home aquarium. Providing a spacious tank is crucial for their long-term health and well-being.

Temperament

Blue Angelfish are known to be semi-aggressive. While they generally coexist peacefully with other fish, they may display territorial behavior and aggression towards other angelfish or similarly sized tankmates. Caution should be exercised when choosing tankmates.

Sexual Dimorphism

It is difficult to visually determine the sex of Blue Angelfish. Males may have a slightly larger size and more pronounced facial markings, but reliable differentiation is challenging.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of the Blue Angelfish is around 10 to 15 years when kept in optimal conditions with proper care and diet.

Diet in Aquariums

The Blue Angelfish is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of meaty and plant-based foods. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and Spirulina-based foods. Providing a diverse diet is essential for their health and coloration.

Aquascaping Recommendations

When setting up the aquarium for Blue Angelfish, it is important to create ample hiding spots using live rock or reef structures. This mimics their natural habitat and provides them a sense of security. Ensure there is enough open swimming space for their exercise as well.

Captive Bred Availability

The Blue Angelfish is rarely available as captive-bred specimens. Most individuals available in the aquarium trade are wild-caught. Due to the potential impact of wild collection on natural populations, it is recommended to purchase responsibly sourced specimens from reputable suppliers like Reefs4Less.com.

Compatibility with Other Fish, Invertebrates, or Corals

While the Blue Angelfish can be kept with other fish and invertebrates, specific caution should be exercised when selecting tankmates. It is advisable to avoid housing them with other angelfish species or similar-sized, aggressive fish. They may nip at some corals and sessile invertebrates, thus careful selection is necessary.

Here are 5 potential tankmates for the Blue Angelfish:

1. Yellow Tang – Compatible due to their similar size and peaceful nature.
2. Royal Gramma – Peaceful, colorful addition to the tank with contrasting behavior and territory preferences.
3. Firefish Goby – Active and peaceful species that occupy different areas of the tank, reducing the chance of aggression.
4. Pajama Cardinalfish – Peaceful schooling fish that adds movement and color to the tank.
5. Cleaner Shrimp – A beneficial invertebrate that helps with cleaning and can coexist peacefully with the Blue Angelfish.

Other Common Names

The Blue Angelfish is also known as the Bermudian Blue Angelfish or the Queen Angelfish, although it should not be confused with the true Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris).

Why buy from Reefs4Less.com?

Reefs4Less.com is a reputable online retailer known for its high-quality marine specimens and commitment to sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. They offer a wide selection of fish, corals, and other invertebrates, ensuring the health and well-being of the animals they sell.

Popular Questions and Answers

Q: Can the Blue Angelfish be kept in a reef tank?

A: While possible, caution should be exercised as they may nip at corals and other sessile invertebrates. It is advisable to monitor their behavior closely and provide alternative food sources to minimize coral aggression.

Q: What should I feed my Blue Angelfish?

A: Blue Angelfish are omnivorous and should be fed a varied diet including high-quality marine flakes, pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and Spirulina-based foods.

Q: How large of a tank do Blue Angelfish require?

A: Blue Angelfish require a minimum tank size of 70 gallons to provide adequate swimming space and accommodate their potential size.

Q: Are Blue Angelfish prone to any specific diseases?

A: Blue Angelfish are generally hardy, but they may be susceptible to common saltwater fish diseases like marine ich or velvet. Proper quarantine procedures and regular monitoring of water parameters can help prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks.

Q: Can Blue Angelfish be kept in pairs?

A: Blue Angelfish are typically best kept singly or as a single male-female pair. Multiple males may exhibit territorial aggression towards each other.