© Jay Brasher / CC BY 4.0French angelfish
The French angelfish is a large angelfish from the Caribbean Sea. Each scale on its black body is edged in gold, giving it a bold, stately look. Juveniles are black with five yellow vertical bands and are known for cleaning other fish. It can reach 41 cm in total length, and a lifespan of 27 years has been recorded in the wild. It suits keepers who want a long-term centerpiece for a large aquarium, but it is rated for intermediate aquarists, so plan tank space, water quality and tankmates carefully before bringing one home.
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Apply as a breederFrench angelfish key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Wild fish aged at 27 years (FishBase)
- Size
- Up to 41 cm TL (FishBase)
- Temperature
- 21〜27℃
- Diet
- Omnivore (sponges, algae, gorgonians, etc.)
- Water Temperature & Quality
- 21-27°C, specific gravity from 1.020 (Saltcorner).
- Container & Tank
- Slow-growing but over 40 cm as an adult. Plan for about 680 L (180 gallons) or more, as a fish-only tank with caves and live rock.
- Tank Mates & Compatibility
- It is considered one of the calmer Pomacanthus, but do not mix it with others of the genus.
- Reef Compatibility
- Adults nip stony and soft corals, clams and tubeworms, so it is not reef-safe.
- Diet & Feeding
- Feed sponge-containing angelfish foods, frozen brine shrimp and mysis, and algae-based foods such as nori and spirulina several times a day.
- Health & Cautions
- It is long-lived, so plan the tank for the long term. The pattern changes markedly from juvenile to adult.
About French angelfish
Meet the French angelfish, a large Caribbean angelfish whose black scales are edged in gold. It reaches up to 41 cm, has a 27-year wild record, and suits intermediate aquarists.
7 things to know before welcoming a French angelfish
1A Large Fish, Up to 41 cm
The French angelfish can reach 41 cm in total length, so even a small fish will eventually need a large aquarium. Check that the tank has enough depth and height for swimming, and that the stand and floor can support the weight.
2Built for the Long Term
A lifespan of 27 years has been recorded in the wild, so this is a species that can live a long time. Lifespan in an aquarium depends on the environment, so think about whether you can keep up the tank and daily care over many years.
3Juvenile vs. Adult
Juveniles are black with five yellow vertical bands and are known for cleaning other fish. Their appearance changes as they grow, so check the growth stage of the individual on the listing page.
4Choose Tankmates Carefully
Large angelfish can become territorial, especially toward other angelfish or fish with a similar body shape. If you keep tankmates, give the tank plenty of room and aim for a layout that balances hiding places with open swimming space.
5Caution With Corals
Angelfish may nip at sessile animals such as corals and clams. Consider a reef tank carefully, and keep the fish in a fish-only system if needed.
6Diet and Water Quality
In the wild it feeds on items such as sponges and algae, so offer a varied, balanced diet in the aquarium. Large fish produce a lot of waste, so strong filtration and regular water changes help keep the water clean. Poor water quality can contribute to health problems, so observe the fish closely every day.
7Prepare Before You Buy
It is rated for intermediate aquarists, so it helps to be comfortable with marine water quality management first. When introducing the fish, take time to acclimate it to reduce stress from differences in temperature and salinity. Check the size and feeding status on the listing page, and ask the breeder about anything unclear.
Frequently asked questions about French angelfish
- Q.Can beginners keep a French angelfish?
- A.It is rated for intermediate aquarists, so it is a somewhat demanding choice as a first marine fish. It is best considered once you have experience with water quality and feeding, and can provide a large tank.
- Q.How large does it grow?
- A.It can reach a maximum total length of 41 cm (FishBase). Even if the fish is small when you get it, prepare a tank with its full adult size in mind.
- Q.How long does it live?
- A.A lifespan of 27 years has been recorded in the wild (FishBase). Lifespan in an aquarium varies with the environment, but it is wise to plan on keeping the fish for many years.
- Q.What should I feed it?
- A.In the wild it feeds on items such as sponges and algae, so a varied diet combining plant-based and animal-based foods is the basic approach in an aquarium. It also helps to check what the individual is already eating, using the listing page or by asking the breeder.
- Q.Can it live with corals or other fish?
- A.It may become territorial or nip at corals and clams, so tankmates need careful consideration. Be especially cautious with other angelfish, similarly shaped fish and sessile animals, and decide only after making sure the tank size and layout leave plenty of room.
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Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.
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