How difficult is it to keep Arabian angelfish?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

What is the ideal temperature for Arabian angelfish?

The ideal temperature for Arabian angelfish is 22〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Arabian angelfish get?

Arabian angelfish typically reaches Up to 40 cm TL (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Arabian angelfish?

Arabian angelfish feeds on: Omnivore (mainly sponges and tunicates). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Arabian angelfish?

The price of Arabian angelfish varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Arabian angelfish

Intermediate

Pomacanthus asfur

A large Red Sea angelfish with a dark blue-purple body, a yellow crescent across the flank and a bright yellow tail - the tail separates it from the similar yellowbar angelfish.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Temperature

22〜27℃

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 40 cm TL (FishBase)

Diet

Omnivore (mainly sponges and tunicates)

About

The Arabian or asfur angelfish (Pomacanthus asfur) occurs in the western Indian Ocean from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden south to Zanzibar (FishBase), reaching 40 cm TL. Adults are dark blue-purple with a blackish face, a vertical yellow crescent across the middle of the body and a bright yellow tail - the tail separates it from the similar yellowbar angelfish (P. maculosus). Juveniles are blue with pale-blue and white stripes, and the dorsal and tail fins turn yellow as they grow. It lives on sheltered inshore reefs rich in soft and hard corals, adults feeding mainly on sponges and tunicates, and it is very aggressive towards its own species unless paired. Allow about 680 L (180 gallons) or more and feed sponge-containing angelfish foods and frozen foods several times a day. Adults nip corals and clams, so it is not reef-safe. Captive-bred fish are also sold. Japanese specialist shops stock this Red Sea angelfish regularly.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Arabian angelfish

The Arabian angelfish grows to Up to 40 cm TL (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Arabian angelfish

The ideal temperature for the Arabian angelfish is 22〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Western Indian Ocean (Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to Zanzibar)

Lifespan

Little data available

Size

Up to 40 cm TL (FishBase)

Care Specifications

Water Temp.: 22–27℃
Specific Gravity: 1.02
Min. Tank: 680 L

Semi-aggressiveNot reef safe

Sources: FishBase (Pomacanthus asfur) / Saltcorner Fish Library (Bob Goemans)

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Pomacanthus asfur (Forsskål, 1775)

Synonyms: Arusetta asfur (Forsskål, 1775), Chaetodon asfur Forsskål, 1775

Authority databases: WoRMS · GBIF · GBIF · WoRMS · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated as an Invasive Alien Species under Japanese law. Never release aquarium animals into the sea.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / Ministry of the Environment: List of Designated Invasive Alien Species / FishBase

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.